AGP Executive Report

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.

Organ Transplant Reform: Paraguay has launched SINATPy, a new digital platform to streamline its national organ allocation system, aiming to boost transparency and efficiency; the National Ablation and Transplant System was presented with PAHO support, with INAT reporting 301 people on the waiting list (including 16 pediatric cases) and 84 transplants completed in 2026 so far (including corneas, kidneys, hearts, and hematopoietic stem cell/bone marrow transplants). Heat Health Warnings: A medical specialist highlights common heat-related warning signs—weakness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and excessive sweating—and urges older adults (especially those on blood pressure meds) to avoid dehydration and limit outdoor activity during peak temperatures. Paraguay Dengue Update: Paraguay reports stable dengue case numbers and low levels of virus circulation nationally. Health-Adjacent Policy Watch: While not Paraguay-specific, Brazil’s new nationwide foie gras production and sales ban (animal welfare-driven) underscores how food policy can quickly shift public health and consumer access.

Organ Transplant Upgrade: 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 (including corneas, kidneys, hearts, and bone marrow). Heat Health Warnings: A medical specialist highlights warning signs of extreme heat illness—weakness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea—and urges older adults, especially those on blood pressure meds, to avoid dehydration and outdoor exertion during peak temperatures. Neurology Burden Shift: A PAHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas finds neurological disorders across the Americas are increasingly causing long-term disability rather than only early death, raising the need for prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Yellow Fever Alert: Curaçao’s health ministry urges travelers to get vaccinated as yellow fever cases rise in parts of South America, including newly affected areas, noting vaccination should be done at least 10 days before departure. Science Diplomacy: TWAS and AAAS opened a science diplomacy course with participants from Paraguay and other countries, aiming to strengthen cross-border cooperation on climate, food insecurity, and health-related global challenges.

Health Tech & Transplants: Paraguay has launched SINATPy, a new digital platform to streamline organ allocation and boost transparency in its transplant system, unveiled with PAHO support on the National Day of Transplantation. Care Access Snapshot: Paraguay’s national waiting list stands at 301 patients (including 16 children), and in 2026 teams have completed 84 transplants nationwide—39 corneal, 3 heart, 23 kidney, and 19 hematopoietic stem cell/bone marrow procedures. Public Health Context: The week also carried broader health reminders, including guidance on recognizing heat-related warning signs (weakness, dizziness, headaches) and the need to protect older adults from dehydration during extreme temperatures. Health & Society: A PAHO-led update highlighted that neurological disorders across the Americas are increasingly shifting from early death toward long-term disability, raising demand for prevention, rehab, and long-term care.

Heat Health Alerts: A medical specialist warns that weakness, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and heavy sweating can signal heat exhaustion or heatstroke, urging older adults (especially those on blood pressure meds) to avoid peak-hour outdoor activity, rest, and rehydrate early. Global Health Governance: The World Health Assembly backed a Member State-led process to reform the global health architecture, aiming to improve access, impact and equity as disease risks and science evolve. Paraguay Education Connectivity: Paraguay is expanding school internet access via Copaco and Starlink, starting in Ybycuí and targeting 1,600 schools this term (with satellite coverage for 2,100), to narrow the rural digital gap. Paraguay Maquila Jobs & Exports: Maquila exports rose 25% to US$717M in the first half of 2026, adding 1,923 jobs, led by automotive parts, clothing and chemical products. Neurology Burden in the Americas: A PAHO-led Lancet study finds nearly 470M people in the region live with neurological disorders, with death rates falling but long-term disability rising—boosting the need for rehab and long-term care.

Paraguay Dengue Watch: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health reports dengue remains stable, averaging 102 notifications per week, with only three new confirmed cases in SE 25–27 and no recent hospitalizations or deaths; cumulative cases reached 288 as of July 18, with DENV-1 identified and the Limpio outbreak showing a sharp decline. Neurology Burden in the Americas: A new Lancet Regional Health—Americas study says nearly 470 million people in the region (about 2 in 5) live with neurological disorders, shifting the burden from premature death toward long-term disability—raising demand for prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Paraguay’s Investment-Grade Signal: Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, citing credible monetary policy and political stability. Maquila Jobs and Exports: Paraguay’s maquila exports hit US$717 million in the first half of 2026, up 25% year-on-year, creating 1,923 new jobs, led by automotive parts, clothing, and chemical products. Health & Safety Abroad (Crowding): U.S. ICE emails describe dangerous overcrowding and inadequate medical support at a New York detention site, including people with serious conditions left without proper care. Kidney Drug R&D: Dimerix says it has expanded its kidney pipeline, adding an acute kidney injury program tied to heart surgery patients, alongside its phase III FSGS study.

ICE Detention Health Risks: U.S. ICE officials warned about dangerous overcrowding at a New York detention site, with detainees reportedly lacking beds, showers, and full-time medical staff—while people with serious conditions such as tuberculosis and kidney failure struggled to get proper care. Heat Worker Protections Under Threat: A U.S. House committee advanced a bill to block extreme-heat workplace protections, as heat waves continue to hit parts of the country and lawmakers argue over whether the rules are necessary or harmful. Neurological Disorders Burden: A new PAHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas estimates nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with neurological disorders, shifting the burden toward long-term disability and raising the need for rehabilitation and long-term care. Paraguay Dengue Update: Paraguay’s health authorities report dengue cases are stable, with only three new confirmed cases in recent weeks and no dengue hospitalizations or deaths reported during that period. Yellow Fever Vaccination Alert (Region): Curaçao’s health ministry urges travelers to get vaccinated as yellow fever cases rise in South America, including newly affected areas. Paraguay School Internet Expansion: Paraguay is rolling out satellite internet to connect more schools, aiming to narrow the digital gap—an indirect boost for health education and access to services.

Paraguay Dengue Update: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health reports dengue remains steady, with an average of 102 notifications per week and only three new confirmed cases in the last three weeks (two in Central, one in Presidente Hayes); no hospitalizations or deaths were recorded recently, and the year’s total reached 288 as of July 18. Digital Access for Schools: Paraguay is expanding internet connectivity for schools via Copaco and Starlink, starting with a rollout in Ybycuí (Paraguarí); the plan targets 1,600 schools this term (with satellite access for 2,100), aiming to cut the rural-urban digital gap and connect thousands of institutions nationwide. Science Diplomacy: The AAAS–TWAS Science Diplomacy course opened in Italy with participants from 13 countries, including Paraguay, focusing on evidence-based solutions to climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and stronger science-policy collaboration. Yellow Fever Travel Alert: Curaçao’s health ministry urges travelers to get vaccinated as yellow fever cases rise in South America, noting new detections in places like Brazil’s São Paulo and Colombia’s Tolima, and reminding people to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before departure. World Cup Health Angle: A UN road safety pledge passed with Paraguay noting follow-up is voluntary and non-binding, while the broader coverage also highlights how major events can intersect with public health risks like heat and air quality.

Yellow Fever Alert: Curaçao’s health ministry is urging travelers to get vaccinated as WHO/PAHO report rising yellow fever cases across South America, including new detections in Brazil’s São Paulo and Colombia’s Tolima; the ministry says the vaccine should be taken at least 10 days before departure. Paraguay Dengue Update: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health reports dengue remains steady, averaging 102 notifications per week, with only three new confirmed cases in recent weeks and no hospitalizations or deaths in that period. Local Health & Nutrition Insight: A Paraguay-origin story highlights ka’a he’ẽ (stevia), long used by the Guaraní as a sweet herb and traditional remedy, now known worldwide as a sugar substitute. Education Connectivity: Paraguay is expanding internet access for schools via Copaco and Starlink, starting with Ybycuí and aiming to connect 1,600 institutions during the current term. Credit & Economy: Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, citing credible monetary policy and political stability.

Digital Health & Access: Paraguay is expanding internet access for schools via a Copaco–Starlink satellite rollout, starting in Ybycuí and aiming to connect 1,600 institutions this term (2,100 via satellite plus 2,000+ already on fibre), targeting high-speed access for roughly half of the country’s ~8,000 schools. Public Health Watch: Paraguay’s dengue situation remains steady, with an average of 102 notifications per week; in SE 25–27 only three new confirmed cases were reported, no hospitalizations and no deaths noted, and cumulative cases reached 288 as of 18 July. Nutrition & Wellness Roots: A new spotlight on Paraguay’s ka’a he’ẽ (stevia) traces how the Guaraní used the plant for centuries as a medicinal herb and natural sweetener, linking traditional knowledge to today’s global stevia use. Food Safety & Trade Pressure: A report warns Brazil’s meat exports may be “frontloaded” into Europe ahead of a Sept. 3 EU antimicrobial resistance compliance deadline, raising potential supply and price impacts for EU chicken and beef. Health Tech & Research Funding: Kidney drug developer Dimerix says it has secured funding to run two active clinical programs, including a new mid-stage effort targeting acute kidney injury after heart surgery. Policy & Economy (Health Context): Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, supporting a steadier macro environment for health and public services.

Dengue Watch in Paraguay: Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health reports dengue case numbers are steady, averaging 102 notifications per week, with only three new confirmed cases in the last three weeks (2 in Central, 1 in Presidente Hayes) and no recent hospitalizations or deaths; the year’s cumulative total reached 288 as of 18 July, and the Limpio outbreak is declining. World Cup Health & Safety Ripples: Coverage around the 2026 World Cup highlights ongoing debate over mandatory hydration breaks and medical stoppage rules, with FIFA officials and experts weighing whether changes should continue—an issue that matters for player safety and public health messaging. Paraguay’s Credit Rating: Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, supporting confidence in the country’s economic stability—important for long-term health system planning. Governance Cooperation: Paraguay and the UAE signed an MoU to strengthen oversight, governance, integrity, and anti-corruption efforts, including audit and anti-corruption capacity building.