PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Summary

USAID has supported the health sector for more than 20 years in the areas of reproductive, maternal and neonatal health, family planning, decentralization, and health information systems strengthening. USAID has directed its assistance to respond to the Government of Paraguay’s (GOP) commitment to improving the health system, reducing corruption, and improving access to basic health services for all citizens.  In addition, USAID supported the GOP in emergency situations and other contingencies.  Dedicated health assistance from USAID will conclude in 2012.

Family Planning and Reproductive Health

USAID has worked with the GOP, civil society groups and the private sector to ensure access to quality, voluntary family planning services.  Current assistance is improving access to contraceptives with the Social Security Institute’s network of health centers.

Maternal & Neonatal Health and Family Planning

In response to an urgent need to improve maternal and neonatal health indicators, USAID is working with the MOH to improve the care provided to mothers and newborns. The program seeks to incorporate best practices based on evidence to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in two departments with the highest mortality rates in the country.

Health Decentralization

The program provided assistance at the central, regional and local levels to strengthen the decentralization process. USAID assisted health councils across the country to develop local health plans and improve management of financial resources and accountability, and strengthened the MOH decentralization division to support health councils.

Information Systems and Health Surveillance

Through local and international partners, USAID provided technical and financial assistance to the MOH to implement the new National Health Information System and to strengthen the institution’s capacity to perform surveillance. 

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