AGP Executive Report

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed on a regional pathway to expand twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) PrEP access across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Paraguay, using PAHO’s procurement system to help close rising infection and utilization gaps. Snakebite Preparedness: On International Snakebite Awareness Day, PAHO highlighted work in Paraguay and other countries to strengthen surveillance, clinical protocols, training, and timely antivenom access—aimed at reducing deaths and long-term disability. Drug Development Partnerships: mAbxience and Sandoz signed a licensing and commercialization deal for an emicizumab biosimilar candidate for hemophilia A, with mAbxience handling development/manufacturing and Sandoz leading global commercialization (excluding Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay). Local Health Action: Paraguay’s bone marrow donor registration drive is set for Sept. 19 in Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso, using buccal swabs to grow the registry for patients needing compatible donors. Public Health Risk: A study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, naming Paraguay among countries where overwhelmed waste systems are linked to major health concerns.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed on a regional pathway to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for HIV PrEP, using PAHO’s procurement system; the plan targets 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Paraguay, to help close prevention gaps as new infections rose 13% from 2010–2024. Snakebite Preparedness: PAHO marked International Snakebite Awareness Day by reporting technical missions in Paraguay and other countries to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis, treatment protocols, and timely access to antivenoms. Bone Marrow Matching Drive: Paraguay will host a World Marrow Donor Day registration event in Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso, using buccal swabs to grow the national donor registry and improve transplant match chances. Public Health Workforce: Paraguayan teachers mobilized for higher salaries and more education investment, rejecting a government pact they say could fracture union unity. Health Tech Caution: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are still pending regulatory clearances in 33 regions, including Canada and Japan.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for HIV PrEP across all PAHO Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean, using PAHO’s regional purchasing system and creating a pathway for 14 countries including Paraguay. Health Workforce Update: 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 a Sept. 21–22 strike pending union ratification. Snakebite Preparedness: PAHO marked International Snakebite Awareness Day by highlighting the scale of snakebite harm in the Americas and reporting technical missions in Paraguay and other countries to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and antivenom access. Bone Marrow Hope: A new donor registration drive in Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso will collect buccal swabs at Shopping del Sol and Shopping Mariano on Sept. 19, aligned with World Marrow Donor Day. Community Health Missions: MedAdvance held its first international event in Paraguay (Sept. 3–5) with 121 participants from 15 countries, partnering with Centro Médico Bautista to train and mobilize global healthcare missionaries.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed on a new regional pathway to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (PrEP) across Latin America and the Caribbean, using PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds to help 14 countries procure the medicine and close prevention gaps. Local Health Labor: 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 averting a Sept. 21–22 strike pending union ratification. Bone Marrow Hope: A donor registration drive for Paraguay’s bone marrow registry will run Sept. 19 in Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso, using buccal swabs to help match patients needing transplants. Hypertension Tech Update: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 may be unavailable in 33 regions due to regulatory clearances still in process. Education & Health Spillover: Teachers protested in Asunción and other cities demanding higher pay and more education investment, rejecting a government pact they say could weaken union unity.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (PrEP) across Latin America and the Caribbean, using PAHO’s regional purchasing for 14 countries including Paraguay—aiming to close prevention gaps as new infections rose 13% from 2010 to 2024. 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. Donor Drive: Asunción and Mariano Roque Alonso will host a bone marrow donor registration drive on Sept. 19 (10:00–21:00) at Shopping del Sol and Shopping Mariano, using a buccal swab to help match patients needing transplants. Climate & Health Risk: El Niño is expected to intensify, with experts warning Paraguay and parts of southern South America may see above-average rainfall and higher flood risk—conditions that can strain health systems. Health Tech Note: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 may be unavailable in 33 regions due to pending regulatory clearances.

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.