AGP Executive Report

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed on a new regional pathway to expand twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Paraguay, using PAHO’s regional purchasing system to help close access gaps. Public Health Workforce: Paraguay’s government reached a preliminary deal with the National Union of Physicians for a 2,000,000-guaraní salary increase for public-sector doctors, potentially averting a Sept. 21–22 strike pending union ratification. Transplant Hope: Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso will host a bone marrow donor registration drive on Sept. 19 (World Marrow Donor Day), using buccal swabs to grow Paraguay’s registry. Cardiovascular Tech Caution: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 won’t be available in 33 regions due to pending regulatory clearances. Climate & Health Risk: El Niño contingency planning is ramping up across Latin America; experts warn Paraguay and nearby areas may face above-average rainfall and flooding risk.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed on a new regional pathway to expand twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Paraguay, using PAHO’s regional purchasing system to help close access gaps. Public Sector Health Pay Talks: Paraguay’s government reached a preliminary deal with the National Union of Physicians for a 2,000,000-guaraní salary increase for public-sector professionals, potentially lifting a planned doctors’ strike pending union ratification. Bone Marrow Hope in Asunción: A donor registration drive will run Saturday, Sept. 19 (10:00–21:00) at Shopping del Sol and Shopping Mariano, using buccal swabs to grow Paraguay’s registry for patients needing compatible matches. Digital Payments & Care Access: Paraguay’s digital shift continues, with 82% of service payments now made digitally, which can make it easier for people to pay for health services and related costs. Health Policy Watch: Philippines’ finance department pushes to triple sugary drinks tax to curb diabetes, obesity, and related health risks—an approach that may resonate regionally. Community Health & Wellness: Paraguay’s mykure (white-eared opossum) breeding season is underway, with experts urging pet owners not to leave food out overnight to reduce dog threats. Healthcare Missions: MedAdvance returned to Paraguay with an international gathering of Baptist hospital leaders and health workers, aiming to train and mobilize new global healthcare missionaries.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO announced a new regional pathway to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (PrEP) across all PAHO Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean, using PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds to help close prevention gaps in 14 countries including Paraguay. Public Sector Pay Talks: Paraguay’s government reached a preliminary deal with the National Union of Physicians for a 2,000,000-guaraní salary increase for public-sector doctors, aimed at preventing the Sept. 21–22 strike pending union ratification. Heart Health Tech: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 may be unavailable in 33 countries/regions while regulatory clearances are still in process, with Paraguay readers likely to watch for local rollout updates. Bone Marrow Hope: A new donor registration drive will run Sept. 19 in Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso, using buccal swabs to grow Paraguay’s registry for patients needing compatible matches. Digital Payments Shift: Paraguay’s service payments are now 82% digital (up from 66% in 2021), with QR and mobile transactions driving the change. Mosquito-Borne Risk: Dengue fever guidance highlights early symptom spotting and bite prevention as warmer, humid conditions can boost mosquito spread.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed on a new regional pathway to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for HIV prevention, using PAHO’s regional purchasing system—covering 14 countries including Paraguay. Doctors’ Strike Talks: Paraguay’s government reached a preliminary deal with the National Union of Physicians for a 2,000,000-guaraní salary increase for public-sector professionals, potentially canceling the Sept. 21–22 strike pending union ratification. Bone Marrow Hope Drive: A donor registration campaign in Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso (Shopping del Sol and Shopping Mariano) runs Sept. 19, using a buccal swab to help expand Paraguay’s marrow registry. Relocation & Health Factors: Paraguay ranked second in South America in the 2026 Global Relocation Index, with the study citing healthcare, safety, taxation, and residency access among key drivers. Mosquito Season Reminder: Dengue risk is rising in the region as climate and mosquito habitats expand—early symptom awareness and bite prevention remain key. Community Health & Care Missions: MedAdvance’s first international event in Paraguay (Sept. 3–5) brought 121 healthcare leaders from 15 countries to train and coordinate global healthcare missions.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed on a new regional pathway to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (PrEP) across 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Paraguay, using PAHO’s regional purchasing system to help close prevention gaps as new HIV infections rose 13% (2010–2024). Doctors’ Pay Deal: Paraguay’s government reached a preliminary agreement with the National Union of Physicians for a 2,000,000-guaraní salary increase for public-sector doctors, potentially lifting the Sept. 21–22 strike pending union ratification. Childhood Cancer Support: The Renaci Foundation highlighted its free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment model in Paraguay, working with Hospital de Clínicas and funding research and training. Digital Payments Surge: Paraguay’s Bancard report says digital payments now make up 82% of service transactions, up from 66% in 2021, with QR and mobile commerce driving the shift. Mosquito-Borne Alert: A dengue fever explainer notes early symptom recognition and the ongoing risk of localized outbreaks as humid climates support mosquito spread. Health & Environment Link: A report flags Paraguay among plastic-waste pollution hotspots after China’s import ban, warning of rising health risks from inadequate waste handling.

Public Health & Labor: Paraguay’s public doctors and teachers are set to strike in September, with the National Medical Union (Sinamed) calling a walkout for Sept. 21–22 after earlier August action over pay, hospital supplies, and permanent positions for thousands on temporary contracts. Digital Health & Payments: Paraguay is accelerating toward cashless services: Bancard reports digital payments are now 82% of all service transactions (up from 66% in 2021), driven by mobile use and QR payments. Childhood Cancer Care: The Renaci Foundation says it provides fully free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment in Paraguay, working with Hospital de Clínicas and expanding access nationwide. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Dengue risk is rising in the region as humid weather supports Aedes mosquitoes; early symptoms and bite prevention are emphasized amid small local outbreaks. Environment & Health: A new report flags Paraguay among plastic-waste “hotspots” tied to health risks after China’s import ban, pointing to weak local waste handling capacity. Wildlife & Ecosystem Health: A jaguar with a cub was spotted near the Tebicuary River in Itapúa, reinforcing the need to protect biological corridors that support biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

Public Health & Labor: Paraguay’s public doctors and teachers are set to strike in September, with doctors (Sinamed) announcing walkouts for Sept. 21–22 after earlier August action over pay, hospital supplies, and permanent positions for temporary staff—raising fresh concerns for care continuity as Congress debates the 2027 budget. Childhood Cancer Care: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment nationwide, partnering with Hospital de Clínicas’ pediatric oncology unit while also funding research and training. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: A dengue update highlights how humid climates can fuel mosquito spread; early symptom awareness and bite prevention are emphasized as local cases appear in other regions. Environment & Health: A new report flags plastic-waste pollution hotspots across Latin America—including Paraguay—warning that limited waste-handling capacity can turn imports into public health risks. Community Health Promotion: Asunción marks World Car-Free Day (Sept. 20) with a citywide cycling ride aimed at boosting physical activity and reducing pollution.

Digital Payments Shift: Paraguay’s Bancard Report says digital payment methods now make up 82% of service transactions, up from 66% in 2021, with QR and mobile commerce driving the jump and active digital accounts topping 6 million. Public Health Workforce Pressure: Paraguay doctors and teachers have announced September strikes, including a 21–22 September walkout by doctors, as unions press for wage and labor improvements and better hospital supplies. Childhood Cancer Support: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment in Paraguay, working with Hospital de Clínicas to expand access nationwide. Plastic Waste & Health Risks: A new report links China’s plastic-waste import ban to rising health concerns across Latin America, naming Paraguay among “plastic pollution hotspots” tied to open dumping. Conservation With Health Links: A jaguar sighting near the Tebicuary River in Itapúa highlights the need to protect biological corridors—important for ecosystem health and disease risk reduction. Bilateral Health/Pharma Ties: India and Paraguay marked 65 years of diplomacy, pointing to cooperation in agriculture, health, and pharmaceuticals. Mobility for Health: Asunción will hold its 15th World Car-Free Day on 20 September with a 17 km cycling route to promote physical activity and cleaner air. Health-Adjacent Tech Investment: A demo day in Shanghai connected Latin American startups—including Paraguay—with Chinese investors, with sessions covering health and deep biotechnology.

Public Health Labor Watch: Paraguay’s public-sector doctors (Sinamed) have formally notified a strike for September 21–22, demanding pay changes and better hospital supplies, as negotiations continue with the Ministry of Labor and the health ministry amid fears of staffing shortages in key specialties. Digital Payments & Access: A new Bancard report says digital payments now make up 82% of Paraguay’s service transactions, up from 66% in 2021, with QR and mobile commerce driving the shift and connected businesses rising sharply. Childhood Cancer Care: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment in Paraguay, working with Hospital de Clínicas and expanding support nationwide through research and training. Community Health by Bike: Asunción will mark World Car-Free Day on September 20 with a free, citywide cycling ride aimed at boosting physical activity and reducing vehicle pollution. Wildlife & Health Link: A jaguar sighting with a cub near the Tebicuary River in Itapúa highlights the need to protect biological corridors—important for ecosystem health that communities depend on.

Public Health Labor Action: Paraguay’s public-sector doctors have escalated their dispute with the government, with the National Medical Union (Sinamed) formally notifying a national strike for Sept. 21–22, after weeks of pressure over low pay, job insecurity, and shortages of medicines and supplies; the Ministry of Health also held talks without inviting Sinamed, adding fuel to the conflict. Health System Staffing Risk: The resignations and strike threats are raising alarms about shortages in critical specialties, including hard-to-fill pediatric surgical coverage, as the MSPBS acknowledges negotiations are ongoing. Childhood Cancer Support: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment in Paraguay, working with Hospital de Clínicas to expand access nationwide while funding research and training. Digital Payments & Access: Paraguay’s digital payments surge continues, with digital methods now at 82% of service transactions, supported by QR and mobile use—an indirect boost for smoother access to everyday health-related services. Environmental Health Threat: A new report flags Paraguay among Latin America’s plastic-waste “hotspots,” warning that waste imports and weak disposal capacity are worsening public health risks. Mobility for Health: Asunción marks World Car-Free Day Sept. 20 with a 17 km cycling route, promoting physical activity and cleaner transport.

Public Health Labor Tension: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS) confirmed it received doctors’ formal resignations amid a widening health-sector labor dispute, raising fears of shortages in critical specialties like pediatric surgery while negotiations remain open. Healthcare Workforce Action: Doctors and teachers have separately announced September strikes tied to wage and budget demands in the 2027 budget debate, following earlier walkouts over low pay, medicine shortages, and job insecurity. Childhood Cancer Support: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment across Paraguay, working with Hospital de Clínicas to expand access through a national support network and research funding. Health-Linked Environment: A jaguar sighting with its cub near Itapúa underscores the need to protect Paraguay’s biological corridors—important for long-term ecosystem health that communities depend on. Food Safety Trade Signal: SENAVE and Chile’s SAG agreed on phytosanitary requirements for importing fresh Chilean blueberries into Paraguay, including inspections and pest monitoring.

Public Health & Transport: Asunción marked World Car-Free Day with a citywide cycling ride on Sept. 20, inviting residents to leave cars at home and boost physical activity while cutting pollution; the 17 km route starts at the Botanical Garden and Zoo with a hydration point along the way. Health Workforce Crisis: Paraguay’s public health system is bracing for shortages as doctors’ resignations and union pressure escalate; the Ministry of Public Health confirmed formal resignations tied to demands over pay structure, hospital supplies, and staffing stability. Labor Action in Care: Doctors and teachers have announced September strikes, with doctors (Sinamed) planning walkouts Sept. 21–22 over wages, medicine shortages, and job insecurity—adding pressure during budget talks for 2027. Childhood Cancer Support: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment across Paraguay, partnering with Hospital de Clínicas and backing research and training to expand access nationwide. Environment & Health Link: A jaguar sighting with its cub near Itapúa highlights the need to protect biological corridors—important for biodiversity and healthier ecosystems.

Public Health Labor Crisis: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed it received doctors’ resignations amid escalating union demands over wages, specialization pay, and hospital supplies—raising fears of shortages in critical specialties like pediatric surgery. Healthcare Workforce Action: Doctors and teachers have announced separate September strikes (doctors Sept. 21–22; teachers also striking), as Congress debates the 2027 budget and unions push for better pay and funding. Childhood Cancer Support: The Renaci Foundation says it provides free, comprehensive childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment across Paraguay, partnering with Hospital de Clínicas and investing in research and training. Wildlife & Health Link: A jaguar with its cub was spotted near the Tebicuary River in Itapúa, underscoring the need to protect biological corridors that support ecosystem health. Food Safety Trade: Paraguay’s SENAVE and Chile’s SAG agreed on phytosanitary requirements for importing fresh Chilean blueberries, expanding access to new produce markets.

Childhood Cancer Care: Renaci Foundation says it’s the only Paraguay NGO guaranteeing free, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for childhood cancer, working with Hospital de Clínicas’ pediatric oncology team while expanding access nationwide through research, training, and patient support. Public Health Labor Crisis: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed it received doctors’ formal resignations amid a widening wage-and-supplies dispute; the risk is shortages in critical specialties, including low-availability pediatric surgery. September Strike Push: Doctors and teachers have announced separate September strikes to demand higher pay and stronger 2027 budget funding, with Sinamed planning walkouts on Sept. 21–22 after earlier August action. Plastic Pollution & Health: A new study flags Paraguay among “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, warning that overwhelmed waste systems are driving leaks that can harm public health. Market Access for Food Safety: SENAVE and Chile’s SAG agreed on phytosanitary requirements for importing fresh Chilean blueberries into Paraguay, including inspections, pest-free area certification, and monitoring.

Public Health Labor Action: Paraguay’s National Medical Union (Sinamed) has formally notified the Ministry of Labour that public-sector doctors will strike Sept. 21–22, following a prior five-day walkout in late August over pay, hospital medicines and supplies, and job stability for thousands on temporary contracts. Sinamed says it wants to keep negotiating through official channels, but warns the dispute is escalating as Congress debates the 2027 budget. Health System Staffing Risk: Separate reporting says doctors have submitted resignations tied to the same labor crisis, raising alarms about shortages in critical specialties, including pediatric surgery, as negotiations remain open. Disability Rights Lens: A major Inter-American Court of Human Rights case in Guatemala spotlights the harms of long-term institutionalization of people with disabilities—an issue that resonates for health policy and community-based care debates across the region. Public Health Threats Beyond Borders: A study flags Paraguay among “plastic pollution hotspots” in Latin America, linking overloaded waste systems to environmental leakage and major health risks for nearby communities.

Public Health Labor Crisis: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health (MSPBS) confirmed it received formal resignations from doctors in the public network amid escalating wage and labor demands, warning of potential shortages in critical specialties like pediatric surgery while negotiations remain open. Doctors’ Strike Push: The National Medical Union (Sinamed) says it will strike Sept. 21–22, citing job insecurity, low pay, and medicine shortages, after reporting it was excluded from health talks. Indigenous Maternal Care: Indigenous women in Paraguay are urging the state to formally recognize traditional midwives, saying ancestral knowledge is essential where public services are scarce and discrimination and obstetric violence persist in hospitals. Market Access for Food: Paraguay and Chile agreed on phytosanitary requirements to allow fresh Chilean blueberries into Paraguay, using inspections, pest-free area certification, and monitoring to manage risk. Tech & Health Focus: The Taiwan-Paraguay Technology Forum in Asunción (Sept. 11–12) will include panels on digital health and smart agriculture, alongside AI and cybersecurity discussions.