Asunción, Agencia IP.- To implement the national project «Strengthening critical functions for prevention, preparedness, and response to pandemics in Paraguay» from 2024 to 2026, the World Bank sponsored a USD 10.5 million grant to Paraguay out of 133 countries.
The presentation of the project, which will enable the country to be better prepared to reduce the health, social, and economic impact of future pandemics, took place this Wednesday in the presence of authorities from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPyBS), Ministry of Technology and Communication (MITIC), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among others, at the Crowne Plaza Asunción.
The presentation was led by the Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare, María Teresa Barán, accompanied by authorities from other government sectors who are part of this national project. They are representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES), National Service of Quality and Animal Health (SENACSA), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), and National Directorate of Migrations, as well as representatives from the Pandemic Fund and implementing entities including PAHO/WHO, UNICEF, FAO, and IDB.
On behalf of the United Nations, the representative of PAHO-WHO, Environmental Engineer Marcelo Korc, congratulated Paraguay for accessing the project and pointed out that the results of what is implemented in Paraguay could serve as an example to the rest of the world.
This activity will visualize the country’s efforts to be better prepared and increase resilience to future pandemics by focusing on strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems, laboratory systems, and health personnel training.
What is the Pandemic fund?
The Pandemic Fund is a collaborative alliance between Government donors, co-investing countries, foundations, civil society organizations, and international agencies. It was created last year to provide a specific flow of additional and long-term financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in eligible low—and middle-income countries through investments and technical support. Certain multilateral development banks, United Nations agencies, and specialized global health institutions currently serve as the fund’s implementing entities.
How was Paraguay selected?
Out of 133 proposing countries worldwide, Paraguay and Suriname were the only two countries in the Americas to have secured the grant, demonstrating the country’s technical capacity. The national project presented is a robust proposal that stands out for its holistic vision and multisectoral approach. It incorporates vital aspects demonstrated in the pandemic response under the leadership of the health governing body.
Project’s purposes
Strengthening critical functions for pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response (PPR) in Paraguay through holistic disease surveillance and a functional early warning system, increased collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health laboratories, and workforce capacity development within the One Health framework and following the recommendations of the International Health Regulations (IHR).
How will the project contribute to the country’s management?
Firstly, it will strengthen coordination and articulation between multiple sectors to organize the country’s response (not just the health sector) to future pandemics based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, it will contribute to improving digital surveillance systems for early detection and management of health emergencies and disasters; greater integration of information from human, animal, and environmental health laboratories at all levels; improved surveillance of antimicrobial resistance for human, animal, and environmental health; greater coordination between sectors for cross-border control, and enhanced capacity development in community surveillance and early detection of (re)emerging diseases, with particular attention to indigenous communities and displaced populations.
Granted fund and project duration
The fund approved a USD 10.5 million grant to Paraguay, to be implemented over three years, 2024-2026.