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View of Sierra Madre of Chiapasr, the beautiful terrain also makes access to care difficult

Chiapas has long been torn by political, ethnic, and religious conflict. Chiapanecans have faced living conditions that are much more difficult than in the rest of Mexico. While Mexico is a rapidly industrializing country, the improved living conditions of some have not led to any change in the poverty and poor health status of many people in Chiapas.

Ironically, Chiapas provides many of the natural resources for the rest of the country. Yet despite the contribution that the Chiapanecans make to the national economy, they receive few services from the federal government and little to nothing reaches the most rural areas. In the words of one health promoter, "It is not true that Chiapas is poor. Chiapas is rich in natural resources. It is the people of Chiapas who are poor."

This poverty is reflected in the state’s health statistics. The state of Chiapas ranks first or second among the 32 states of Mexico in infant, child and maternal mortality.  In addition, the state has among the highest rates of death due to cervical cancer and tuberculosis.