AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Health Link: Paraguay’s grain exports are surging: Capeco reports soybean grain exports up to 5.89 million tonnes by end-June 2026 (from 4.11 million tonnes in 2025) and wheat shipments from the 2025 harvest up 30%, boosting foreign-currency earnings—good news for food-system stability and rural livelihoods. Local Wellness Tradition: As Paraguay heads into August’s cold, dry stretch, many people will celebrate Carrulim Day on Aug. 1 with the herbal drink carrulim (caña, rue, and lemon), traditionally taken first thing in the morning; organizers are also staging Carrulim Day events at Mercado 4 in Asunción. Weight-Loss Drug Watch (Regional): Brazil’s Anvisa has approved new semaglutide injection pens, intensifying competition in the weight-loss market; while not Paraguay-specific, it signals how quickly access and pricing pressures can shift across the region.

Weight-loss drug competition in Brazil: Brazil’s regulator Anvisa has approved new semaglutide injection pens, bringing fresh rivals (including Hypera, Sun Pharma and Sandoz) into the market dominated by Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic/Wegovy—intensifying the race for diabetes and obesity demand. Smuggling and price gap: A separate report highlights how tirzepatide can be far cheaper in Paraguay than in Brazil, fueling illegal cross-border sales and raising concerns about unsafe supply and cold-chain handling. Paraguay tradition with health angle: Asunción and other communities gear up for Carrulim Day on Aug. 1, a culturally rooted herbal drink ritual tied to seasonal illness beliefs—officially recognized as intangible heritage, even without scientific proof of health effects. Men’s health and connection: International Friendship Day coverage in Ireland spotlights rising loneliness among young men and urges reaching out—an angle that fits wellness audiences. Wildfire smoke risk for the region: South America’s fire outlook for 2026–27 includes new satellite monitoring, with warnings that smoke can worsen health even when fires start far from Paraguay.

Local Health & Governance: Paraguay readers may want to watch a major corruption case unfolding abroad: Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and three co-defendants pleaded not guilty in a bribery conspiracy tied to COVID-19 testing contracts, with Gov. Josh Green publicly calling for Luke’s resignation. Wellness & Culture: Paraguay’s Carrulim Day returns on Aug. 1, with thousands expected to drink the herbal mix (caña, rue, and lemon) at dawn for “good luck” and seasonal protection—an Intangible Cultural Heritage tradition with deep Guaraní roots. Public Health & Medicines (Regional): Brazil’s regulator Anvisa approved new semaglutide injection pens, intensifying the weight-loss drug race; the broader market shift is also linked to rising demand and ongoing concerns about illegal imports. Community & Aging: Ayolas launches Miss Abuela 2026, a grandmother-focused contest that raises funds through community ticket sales, spotlighting older adults’ roles while supporting local charity. Sports & Health Lifestyle (Indirect): Paraguay’s WRC Rally del Paraguay 2026 opening will feature Kchiporros at Encarnación’s Sambódromo, blending mass entertainment with a major motorsport push.

Hawaii Corruption Case: Four current and former Hawaiʻi officials pleaded not guilty in a bribery conspiracy tied to COVID-19 testing contracts; Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and three others face trial set for Sept. 28, while businessman Tobi Solidum is accused of bribing officials and is believed to be in the Philippines. Weight-Loss Drug Smuggling: Reports say tirzepatide is legally made in Paraguay but is far pricier in Brazil, fueling illegal cross-border supply routes that may also reduce drug effectiveness due to poor cold-chain handling. HIV Prevention Access: A once-monthly PrEP pill (alimatravir) was discussed as potentially producible for about $3 per year, but licensing reportedly excludes much of Latin America, including trial countries. Wildfire Health Tech: New fire-satellite launches aim to improve wildfire response across South America, where smoke has been linked to major health harms. Community Health & Belonging: In Asunción, “A Night of Connection” brings together Paraguayan adoptees abroad to share roots and support.

COVID-19 Contract Corruption Case (Hawaii): Hawaii’s Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and three co-defendants pleaded not guilty in a bribery conspiracy tied to state money for COVID-19 testing contracts, with prosecutors alleging campaign donations were used to secure contracts; Luke is on unpaid leave and a Sept. 28 trial date is set. Men’s Health & Loneliness: Ireland’s Movember is urging young men to reach out on International Friendship Day after survey findings showed many struggle to ask for help and report loneliness. HIV Prevention Access (Global): Merck’s once-monthly PrEP pill could be produced for about US$3 per year, but a licensing deal reportedly leaves most of Latin America out. Paraguay Community & Belonging: Asunción hosted “A Night of Connection” for Paraguayan adoptees searching for roots, highlighting gaps in adoption documentation and the mental health impact of identity loss. Local Culture: Asunción’s Mercado 4 will host Carrulim Day on Aug. 1, featuring tastings of the traditional caña-rue-lime drink.

COVID-19 Corruption Case in Hawaii: Four Hawaii officials pleaded not guilty in a bribery scheme tied to federal COVID-19 funds, with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and others accused of steering money for testing contracts; prosecutors say businessman Tobi Solidum used influence and campaign donations, and a trial is set for Sept. 28. Paraguay Health & Systems: Paraguay is rolling out SINATPy to streamline its organ transplant system, aiming to improve coordination in a sensitive public health area. HIV Prevention Access: A monthly PrEP pill could be made for about US$3 a year, but Latin America is reportedly left out of generic licensing—an access gap with direct prevention implications. Public Health Watch: UN torture-prevention monitors announced planned country visits including Paraguay later this year, as they work under liquidity constraints. Local Health Context: Paraguay’s electricity demand rose 18.3% in the first half of 2026, signaling growing pressure on infrastructure that can affect health services and facilities.

HIV Prevention Access: Merck’s once-monthly PrEP pill could be made for about US$3 per person per year, but a licensing deal reportedly excludes most of Latin America, including countries running key trials—raising concerns about regional access. Public Health & Safety: Paraguay’s DNIT says it donated more than 390 tonnes of seized goods worth about US$930,000 to 388 charities nationwide, including hospitals, health centers, elderly homes, and community canteens. Health Burden Watch: A PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas flags neurological disorders as a growing crisis across the region, listing Paraguay among the hardest-hit countries. Local Health Systems: Paraguay is also moving to streamline organ transplants via the SINATPy platform, aiming to improve how the transplant system works. Environment & Health Risk: New fire-satellite launches could help track wildfires faster across the Amazon basin, but local infrastructure and government support gaps may limit benefits. Energy & Daily Life: ANDE reports Paraguay’s electricity demand rose 18.3% in the first half of 2026, with June up 11.8% year-on-year—an indirect signal of rising activity and service needs.

HIV Prevention Access: Merck’s once-monthly PrEP pill could be made for about US$3 per person per year, but a licensing deal leaves most of Latin America out, including countries tied to key trials. Paraguay Health & Care: Paraguay’s DNIT says it distributed more than 390 tonnes of seized goods (392,921 kg) to 388 charities in the first half of 2026, including hospitals, health centers, elder homes, and community canteens. Neurology Burden: A new PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas flags Guyana and Paraguay among the hardest-hit countries for neurological disorders, with declining death rates but rising disability. Local Health Storytelling: Asunción hosted “A Night of Connection,” bringing together Paraguayan adoptees abroad to share roots and belonging—an emotional wellbeing angle for families and communities. Public Health Context: Paraguay’s electricity demand rose 18.3% in the first half of 2026, a reminder that infrastructure and service capacity underpin health systems.

Women’s Safety & Inclusion: A new Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index ranks Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden at the top for women’s inclusion, justice and security—useful context for Paraguay readers tracking how rights and safety translate into real health and wellbeing. Public Health Funding Watch: In Hawaii, a federal-style scrutiny is expected after COVID-19 spending allegations tied to an indictment of Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and others—raising questions about how pandemic health funds are managed and audited. Neurology Burden: A PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas flags Guyana and also Paraguay among the hardest-hit countries for neurological disorders, with more people surviving conditions like stroke, dementia and epilepsy but living longer with disability. Community Health & Belonging: Asunción hosted “A Night of Connection,” bringing together Paraguayan adoptees abroad to share roots and stories—an emotional wellbeing angle on identity, documentation and support. Local Health Infrastructure Signals: Paraguay’s electricity demand jumped 18.3% in the first half of 2026, a reminder that stable power underpins hospitals, clinics and cold-chain needs. Health Donations: DNIT says it distributed over 390 tonnes of seized goods to 388 charities in the first half of 2026, including hospitals, health centers and elderly homes.

Paraguay Health & Rights: The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture announced it will conduct country visits to Burundi, Paraguay, and Rwanda later this year, as it wraps up its first 2026 session and works to strengthen safeguards against torture. Neurology Watch: A major PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas flags Paraguay among the hardest-hit countries for neurological disorders, noting that while death rates have fallen since 1990, more people are living longer with disabling conditions like stroke, dementia, and epilepsy. Health System Support: Paraguay’s DNIT says it donated more than 390 tonnes of seized goods in the first half of 2026 to 388 charities, including hospitals and health centers, with items ranging from food and produce to cleaning supplies. Food Safety & Trade: Across the Americas, officials urged science-based, transparent agri-food trade rules, warning that an EU proposal on pesticide residue limits could become a barrier to imports—an issue that can affect food safety and access. Local Wellness Spotlight: A Paraguayan author and open-water swimmer, Maggie Leri, is using her multiple sclerosis experience to promote physical activity and wellbeing through UNESCO’s Fit for Life program.

Organ Transplant Update: Paraguay has launched SINATPy, a new digital platform to manage organ allocation and boost transparency in the national transplant system, with 301 people currently on the waiting list (including 16 children) and 84 transplants completed in 2026 so far. Public Health & Community Support: DNIT says it distributed more than 390 tonnes of seized goods to 388 charities nationwide in the first half of 2026, including hospitals, health centers, elder homes, and community canteens. Neurology Spotlight: A major study flags Guyana among the hardest-hit countries in the Americas for neurological disorders, with nearly two in five people affected and growing disability burdens. Health Story That Resonates: Meet Maggie Leri, a Paraguayan living with multiple sclerosis who turned her diagnosis into advocacy through coaching and UNESCO’s Fit for Life program. Food Safety Awareness: A U.S.-led regional food safety project includes Paraguay, aiming to strengthen national systems using risk analysis. Health Tech & Wellness Industry: Gentell expands into consumer wound-care and wellness by acquiring First Honey, maker of Manuka honey health products.

Food Safety & Fraud: Australia’s food watchdog files, tied to a major Four Corners probe, allege “horrifying” contamination and label mismatches, including horse meat sold as beef or lamb, plus foreign materials like mouse fur and metal shavings. Neurological Health: A PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas flags Guyana as among the hardest-hit for neurological disorders, placing it alongside Paraguay and other countries, with more people surviving conditions but living with long-term disability. Paraguay Health System Tech: Paraguay launched SINATPy, a digital platform to streamline organ allocation and improve transparency in the national transplant system, reporting 301 people on the waiting list and 84 transplants completed in 2026. Local Wellness & Environment: Asunción plans protected status for the century-old Tarumá tree at Caballero Park, including fencing and an information board after a health inspection. Public Health Capacity (Regional): A U.S.-university-backed project with PAHO and FAO aims to strengthen national food safety systems across 10 Latin American countries, including Paraguay.

Organ Transplant Update: Paraguay has launched SINATPy, a new digital platform to streamline organ allocation and boost transparency in the national transplant system, with INAT reporting 301 people on the waiting list and 84 transplants completed in 2026 so far. Food Safety & Fraud Watch: A major investigation highlights how imported foods can be mislabeled, with testing finding label claims that don’t match lab results—raising concerns about how much border food is actually checked and what contaminants are tested. Brain Health Burden: A new Lancet Regional Health study flags that nearly 2 in 5 people in the Americas live with neurological disorders, placing Guyana and Paraguay among the highest-burden countries and pointing to gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. Heat-Health Reminder: Medical specialists warn that extreme heat can trigger weakness, confusion, dizziness, headaches, and heatstroke risk—especially for older adults and people on blood pressure medication—urging hydration and avoiding peak-hour outdoor activity. Local Environment: Asunción plans protected status for a centuries-old tarumá tree at Caballero Park, including fencing and an information board after an inspection of the tree’s health.

Organ Transplant Upgrade (Paraguay): Paraguay launched SINATPy, a new digital platform to streamline organ allocation and boost transparency in the national transplant system, with INAT reporting 301 people on the waiting list (including 16 pediatric cases) and 84 transplants completed in 2026. Heat-Health Warning (Region): A medical specialist highlighted heatstroke and dehydration risks, especially for older adults and people on blood pressure medication, urging rest, hydration, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat. Dengue Watch (Paraguay): Paraguay reported stable dengue case numbers and low levels of virus circulation nationally. Maquila Jobs Boost (Paraguay): Exports under Paraguay’s Maquila regime rose 25% to US$717 million in the first half of 2026, driving 1,923 new jobs, led by automotive parts, clothing, and chemical products. Liveability & Health Services (Asunción): Asunción ranked 6th in Latin America for liveability, but the index flagged healthcare and stability as key areas holding the city back.

Health Tech & Transplants: Paraguay launched SINATPy, a new digital platform to streamline its national organ allocation system, with INAT reporting 301 people on the waiting list and 84 transplants completed in 2026 so far (including corneas, kidneys, hearts, and stem cell procedures). Public Health & Climate Risk: A heat-safety reminder highlights warning signs like weakness, dizziness, headaches, and nausea during extreme temperatures, urging older adults—especially those on blood pressure meds—to prevent dehydration and avoid peak-hour outdoor activity. Governance & Health Funding Integrity: In Hawaii, a bribery conspiracy case tied to COVID-19 testing contracts has indicted Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others, raising fresh questions about how pandemic funds were handled. Local Health System Context: Asunción ranked 6th most liveable in Latin America, but the index flags healthcare and stability as key areas holding the city back. Food & Nutrition Policy: Brazil became the first Latin American country to ban foie gras production and sales, citing animal welfare concerns. Agriculture & Wellness Links: Paraguay reported strong watermelon growth, producing over 65,000 tonnes in 2023 and earning about US$12M, as MAG supports expansion for family farmers.

Health Tech in Paraguay: Paraguay launched SINATPy, a new digital platform to streamline its national organ allocation and transplant workflow, with INAT reporting 301 people on the waiting list (including 16 children) and 84 transplants completed in 2026 so far. Public Health & Safety: A specialist warns that extreme heat can trigger weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea and even heatstroke, urging older adults—especially those on blood pressure meds—to avoid peak-hour outdoor activity and prevent dehydration. Local Health Context: Asunción ranked 6th most liveable in Latin America in the Global Liveability Index 2026, but the report flags healthcare and stability as key drag points, pointing to public security and health-service quality as priorities. Health Policy Watch (Region): Brazil became the first Latin American country to ban foie gras production and sales nationwide, citing animal welfare concerns, with a six-month transition before enforcement.