Sections
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the speed and scope of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already caused 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases. The virus has spread to Uganda, with two deaths recorded, leading the WHO to declare an international emergency.
ebolaafrica-cdcituriThe National Directorate of Health Surveillance (Dinavisa) has banned the sale of products from the brands USA PEPTIDES, BIOGENESIS, SYNEDICA - ALLUVI HEALTHCARE, OXIGEN, and VELTRANE because they lack health registration and pose a serious risk to public health. The public is advised to immediately stop using them and report any irregular sales.
dinavisaA group of activists met with the president of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS) to discuss the recovery of the house of Serafina Dávalos, Paraguay's first female lawyer. The property, ceded to the Attorney General's Office (PGR) for restoration, was never renovated and lies in ruins, with thefts of stained glass and ironwork. The proposal is an agreement among several institutions to transform the site into a cultural space.
serafina-davalosipsNew IPS board member Mirtha Arias promises to combat medical supply shortages and employer evasion, but faces distrust from insured member associations questioning her independence.
ipsmirtha-ariasA protest sign was installed in Asunción demanding the resignation of José Emilio Argaña, an IPS advisor, after he requested full paid leave during the World Cup period, sparking public outrage.
ipsjose-emilio-arganaThe Ministry of Childhood and Adolescence (MINNA) carried out a protection operation in the early hours of May 18 that removed 42 indigenous children and adolescents from the streets of Ciudad del Este. Three were without an adult reference; a repeat offender woman and her seven children were sent to the Centro Abierto Refugio. The rest were taken back to their communities in the departments of Guairá, Caazapá, and Alto Paraná, after undergoing medical inspection by the Mobile Clinic of the Ministry of Health.
minnaciudad-del-estealto-paranaParaguay's Ministry of Health has already administered more than 806,000 doses of the trivalent influenza vaccine, as the country faces a week of low temperatures. The campaign, which has 1.5 million doses available, aims to prevent severe forms of the disease, especially in children and the elderly. Additionally, the Pneumococcal 23 vaccine is available for those over 60. In Asunción, vaccination posts operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
influenzaipsThe United States announced strict screening measures at airports and entry restrictions for travelers from African countries affected by the Ebola outbreak, after the WHO declared an international emergency. An American was infected in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but the risk to the general public in the US is considered low.
ebolacdcAn audit by the Executive Branch found that, of approximately 100 recommendations made to internal control bodies, only 2.5% were implemented during Jorge Brítez's tenure at the Social Insurance Institute (IPS). Two accounting systems with abysmal differences in balances and a risky procedure allowing payment to medication suppliers without proof of delivery were identified.
ipsjorge-britezParaguay's Ministry of Health records an average of 348 weekly dengue notifications, with 57 confirmed cases in the last three weeks, predominantly in the Central Department and Asunción. The DENV-1 serotype has been identified. Two cases of chikungunya have also been confirmed in Pedro Juan Caballero, one imported from Bolivia. Authorities warn to maintain prevention measures even with the cold.
denguechikungunyaThe Municipal Council for Children and Adolescents (Codeni) of Presidente Franco, Alto Paraná, has extrajudicially notified the parents of three children who refuse to vaccinate them against measles and other preventable diseases. The Family Health Unit of the San Miguel neighborhood reported the case after exhausting attempts at dialogue. If the situation is not regularized, the case will be forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Public Defender's Office, potentially resulting in mandatory vaccination or a penalty of up to three years in prison for violation of the duty of care.
presidente-francoalto-paranacodeniThe Government of Paraguay completed Operation Justice Umbral 2.5, transferring 361 women deprived of liberty to the Emboscada Penitentiary Complex (COMPLE), definitively eliminating mixed prisons in the country. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare mobilized 30 professionals and ambulances to ensure medical care throughout the process.
emboscadaThe Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS) rescheduled the publication of the internal job regularization exam scores to June 2, 2026, after receiving 3,910 complaints about the scoring. Only 55% of the appeals have been analyzed so far.
mspbsconcursoIn Presidente Franco, Alto Paraná department, a father refused to vaccinate his three children against measles, raising concern among health authorities. The director of the Tenth Health Region, Federico Schrodel, and the head of the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), Sergio Cetrini, warn that misinformation can lead to outbreaks of the disease, which is highly contagious and has already been reported in neighboring countries. The Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (Codeni) was notified and may sue the father for breach of duty of care.
alto-paranacodeniMirtha Arias, the first woman to represent workers on the IPS Board of Directors in 80 years, took office with a promise to humanize medical care, speed up maternity payments, and protect hospital shelters.
ipsmirtha-ariasThe president of the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS), Isaías Fretes, revealed that two of the five machines in the Central Hospital's laundry have been broken for three years, forcing employees to carry water in buckets. The area also lacks running water due to an unfinished construction project. Fretes announced that he will resort to a leasing system to resolve the problem.
ipshospital-centralMirtha Arias, a union leader with three decades of experience, has become the first woman to sit on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS) in eight decades. She promises to prioritize the humanization of healthcare, speed up maternity leave payments, and protect the hospital's shelters.
ipsmirtha-ariasThe president of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS) announced the removal of over 800 medicines acquired without justification, as part of a spending reduction plan. The measure was presented at a press conference and aims to eliminate obsolete items from the stock.
ipsThe Family Health Unit (USF) in Ycuá Karanday, Luque, has been ready for months but has not yet opened due to a lack of equipment and supplies. The community, awaiting services such as vaccination and dentistry, already sees health professionals circulating, but the doors remain closed.
usfluqueycua-karandayParaguay's Ministry of Health has vaccinated more than 420,000 children aged 1 to 5 against measles and rubella, reaching 90% of the national target. While Ñeembucú and Paraguarí achieved 100% coverage, the departments of Central, Asunción and Alto Paraná register the lowest rates, between 83% and 85%, threatening herd immunity. The campaign ends on May 29.
paiThe president of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS), Isaías Fretes, announced the removal of 817 items from the official vademecum, as part of a plan to reduce the financial deficit and combat corruption hotspots. The measure could generate savings of US$ 20 to 25 million per month.
ipsvademecumisaias-fretesThe Hospital General de Itapúa provides free access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a method that reduces the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact by up to 99%. The initiative is part of a national campaign by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare.
prephivhospital-general-de-itapuaPatients report that for over a month, the Regional Hospital of Caacupé and health units in the Cabañas and Daniel Escurra districts have been without amlodipine and enalapril, essential medications for controlling high blood pressure. The shortage exposes weaknesses in the public health system in Cordillera.
hospital-regional-de-caacupeenalaprilcordilleraParaguay's Social Insurance Institute (IPS) announced the removal of 817 items from its vademecum as part of a review and reorganization of medications and supplies. The measure was communicated by the institution's president, Isaías Fretes.
ipsvademecumThe General Audit of the Executive Branch (AGPE) has launched an unprecedented inspection of over 800 properties of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS), amid suspicions of underbilling in rental contracts. IPS President Isaías Ricardo Fretes stated that the goal is to end the 'secrecy' in property management and ensure transparency for policyholders and business owners.
ipschacoSenator Celeste Amarilla (PLRA) strongly criticized the Senate Board for dedicating time to symbolic projects, such as declaring the 'National Day of Vori Vori', while the country faces a public health crisis, lack of medicines, and corruption allegations, especially at the Institute of Social Welfare (IPS).
celeste-amarillaIranian activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been discharged from the coronary care unit of Pars Hospital in Tehran and is at home under medical supervision. Her daughter and the Narges Mohammadi Foundation warn that returning to prison would pose a life-threatening risk.
narges-mohammadiiraIPS President Isaías Fretes announced the removal of 817 items from the vademecum that were purchased but not used, as part of efforts to combat a monthly deficit of up to US$26 million. An audit of the institution's properties was also announced, with support from Executive Branch auditor Alberto Contrera.
ipsisaias-fretesvademecumWith both IPS angiographs out of service, the pension fund signed agreements with Hospital de Clínicas and Hospital San Jorge to handle urgent cases. Five insured individuals have already been treated. The pension fund states that one device will be repaired soon and that it will begin the process to acquire three new machines.
ipshospital-de-clinicashospital-san-jorgeWith the arrival of autumn and winter, a period of increased respiratory virus circulation, Paraguayan experts reinforce the importance of influenza vaccination for older adults, a group vulnerable to serious complications such as pneumonia and hospitalization. Doses are available in the public health network and at IPS.
influenzaipsThe president of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS), Isaías Fretes, presented this Monday (18) the results of the formulary review, identifying about a thousand products acquired unnecessarily, which expire unused. The measure aims to clean up the Health Fund's finances and redirect resources to effective purchases. President Santiago Peña reiterated support for Fretes until 2028, highlighting spending efficiency and combating evasion as priorities.
ipsisaias-fretesThe week begins with low temperatures across Paraguay, while police detain two youths with a fake gun in Luque and a patient's family denounces negligence at the IPS Central Hospital after the death of an elderly man.
luqueThe pre-presidential candidate of the Colorado Añetete movement, Arnoldo Wiens, ended his campaign in Villarrica with harsh criticism of leaders and public employees who, according to him, remain 'bolted' to their positions to defend private interests. Wiens also questioned the resistance of IPS board members to reforms proposed by the institution's new president, Isaías Fretes, and highlighted the rising cost of living affecting the population.
arnoldo-wienscolorado-aneteteipsvillarricaParaguay's Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) announced that school uniforms will not be mandatory during days of low temperatures, prioritizing student health and the prevention of respiratory diseases.
Relatives of a patient who died at the Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) allege medical negligence, claiming the victim arrived minutes before the scheduled time for a procedure and did not receive adequate care, despite having purchased requested supplies.
ipsOn World Hypertension Day, celebrated on May 17, Paraguay's Ministry of Health and the Paraguayan Society of Cardiology reinforce the importance of regular blood pressure control. The disease, known as the 'silent killer,' affects 38.6% of Paraguayans and is the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. Excessive salt consumption is identified as a critical factor.
Mirtha Arias, the new IPS councilor, plans to reduce contribution evasion in border cities using technology and partnerships with DNIT and Mitic, aiming to increase revenue and improve insured members' health.
ipsmirtha-ariasRelatives of a 72-year-old man accuse the Institute of Social Provision (IPS) of negligence after the patient died while awaiting a catheterization. The widow claims all documents were in order, but care was denied because they arrived outside of business hours.
ipsAbout 230 volunteers, including diplomats, students, and Taiwanese residents, cleaned the Costanera of Asunción this Sunday. The environmental event coincided with Taipei's global appeal for participation in the World Health Assembly, blocked by China.
taiwanThe Paraguayan Ministry of Health reported a successful surgery at the General Hospital of Villa Elisa, where a nearly 4 kg fibroid was removed from a 42-year-old patient. The procedure was performed without complications, and the patient is recovering well.
villa-elisaDeputy Arturo Urbieta introduced a bill aimed at establishing new rules to ensure greater safety and quality in medical care, amid constant reports of sanitary failures, hospital-acquired infections, and errors in medical procedures in Paraguay.
On World Hypertension Day, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare of Paraguay warns that the condition already affects 38.6% of the population and is the leading preventable cause of premature death. This year's campaign emphasizes periodic measurement as an essential tool for early detection, given the high rate of underdiagnosis worldwide.
Paraguay's Ministry of Justice began Operation Umbral 2.5 this Sunday, transferring female inmates from various prisons to the Women's Prison Complex (Comple) in Emboscada. The operation, supported by the National Defense Council (CODENA), aims to centralize female incarceration. The National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (MNP) had previously reported serious human rights violations at Comple, including prolonged isolation and lack of mental health care.
prison-transferemboscadahuman-rightsmnpFrom May 18 to 25, Thyroid Week 2026 offers free consultations, ultrasounds, and biopsies at 20 hospitals in Paraguay. The initiative, by the Paraguayan Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SPEM) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Hospital de Clínicas, and the IPS, follows a session in Pedro Juan Caballero where 7 suspected cancer cases were identified among 19 procedures.
On World Hypertension Day, health authorities emphasize the importance of early detection and control of blood pressure, a condition affecting 1.4 billion people worldwide and the leading preventable cause of premature death. The date also exposes challenges in the Paraguayan healthcare system, such as a case of negligence at the IPS Central Hospital.
hospital-centralWith the drop in temperatures, families of inpatients at the General Hospital of San Lorenzo (Calle’i) face cold nights in an improvised tent, with leaks and wind. Despite the difficulties, solidarity among the companions helps them endure the wait.
Rafael Antonio García Aguayo, 42, was shot in the abdomen upon arriving at his business on Saturday night (16) in San Antonio, Central Department. The criminals, who acted with privileged information, fled without taking anything. The victim is hospitalized at the Trauma Hospital of Asunción, out of danger.
san-antoniohospital-de-traumaThe World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern this Sunday due to an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has already killed 88 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spread to Uganda. The lack of a vaccine and specific treatment for this variant, combined with instability in the Goma region controlled by the M23 armed group, has raised global alarm.
ebolabundibugyoA multidisciplinary team at Hospital General de Villa Elisa performed a high-complexity procedure to extract a benign tumor weighing 3,830 grams. The patient has been discharged and is recovering at home.
villa-elisahospital-general-villa-elisaDoctors at the Villa Elisa hospital successfully performed surgery to remove a 3.830 kg fibroid from a 42-year-old patient. The woman has been discharged and is recovering at home.
villa-elisaRaised in Barrio Obrero, Miguel Figueredo transformed a nighttime laboratory into the largest private health insurer in Paraguay. Today he chairs the board of MAPFRE Paraguay and has served as a director of Club Sol de América and the Paraguayan Football Association (APF).
miguel-figueredoasismedmapfre-paraguayThe president of IPS, Isaías Ricardo Fretes, exposes the rot of corruption that unites politics, economic elite, and bureaucracy in Paraguay. While resignations of Cartist senators generate hope, the choice of a questioned prosecutor for judge reveals the system's resistance.
ipsAuthorities from Presidente Franco and Puerto Iguazú have initiated efforts to form a binational Integration Committee, aiming to coordinate actions in health, transportation, migration, and consular assistance, reducing bureaucracy affecting citizens of both countries.
presidente-francopuerto-iguazuThe World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has already totaled eight confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 deaths in Ituri province, DRC, plus two cases in Kampala, Uganda, with one death. The measure does not constitute a pandemic emergency under the 2005 International Health Regulations, but requires global coordination to contain the spread.
ebolaugandaGynecologist Raúl Fanego conducted an exclusive gathering in honor of mothers, with specialists in dermatology, nutrition, and rheumatology offering advice on physical and emotional self-care. The event concluded with a toast of honor, highlighting the maternal role and women's health.
raul-fanegoPresident Santiago Peña acknowledged that the monthly deficit of the Social Insurance Institute (IPS) exceeds US$ 20 million and suggested increasing revenue, reducing evasion, and improving spending efficiency, while IPS President Isaías Fretes announces cuts to obsolete medications and administrative reorganization.
ipssantiago-penaisaias-fretesFor the second consecutive week, the Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies includes on its agenda a bill declaring bull runs (torín) as traditional and cultural heritage. The initiative, already approved by the Senate, faces strong opposition from the National Directorate for Animal Defense, Health and Welfare and civil organizations, which consider it incompatible with the law recognizing animals as sentient beings.
torinMixing garlic with extra virgin olive oil may bring heart health benefits, thanks to compounds like allicin and polyphenols. However, homemade preparation requires attention to avoid the risk of botulism. Experts recommend moderate consumption and refrigeration.
dieta-mediterraneaThe IX Health Region – Paraguarí released its April 2026 balance with 63,412 consultations, 5,904 imaging exams, and 266 surgeries, reinforcing the decentralization of care.
The Hospital Nacional de Itauguá (HNI) recorded 28,027 medical consultations, more than 17,000 imaging exams, and 1,000 high-complexity surgeries in April 2026, reinforcing its role as a reference in Paraguay's public health network.
hospital-nacional-de-itauguaPablo Daniel Irala Barrios, 47, is intubated at the Regional Hospital of Paraguarí with end-stage liver cirrhosis. The family requests an ICU bed, but all eight intensive care beds in the hospital are occupied. The director of the 9th Health Region states that public ICUs are saturated.
paraguarihospital-regionalhospital-regional-de-paraguariThe District Hospital of Horqueta has regained its own water supply after the rehabilitation of its artesian well, which had been inactive for several years. The work was made possible through efforts by Deputy Arturo Urbieta with the National Environmental Sanitation Service (SENASA).
arturo-urbietahorquetaWhile most Paraguayan families celebrate Mother's Day at home, dozens of women spend the holiday at the Hospital Pediátrico Niños de Acosta Ñu, living in the shelter and supporting each other as they wait for their children to recover from serious illnesses.
New IPS president Dr. Isaías Fretes, in office less than a month, has revealed that key laundry equipment at the central hospital has been broken for years, including a four-year-old nonfunctional ironing machine and two of five washing machines. He criticized the lack of accountability and announced urgent measures to address a monthly deficit of $20–26 million.
ipsisaias-fretesPreeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure, remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in Paraguay. With global statistics indicating significant annual deaths of mothers and infants due to this condition, health authorities and organizations are emphasizing the critical importance of timely prenatal care. The Fundación Rassmuss is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare to enhance prevention and management strategies in 12 key hospitals across the country.
preeclampsiaIn Cabañas, Caacupé, three mothers—Deisy Guerrero, Mercedes Colmán, and Rosalba Ortíz—embody the strength and dedication of Paraguayan mothers. Through personal challenges, including caring for a child with multiple health issues, working multiple jobs, and prioritizing family, they demonstrate unwavering love and hope for a better future.
mothers-daycaacupefamilysacrificewomenOn Mother's Day, women at the Hospital Acosta Ñu shelter spend the day away from home, caring for their hospitalized children, embodying hope and resilience.
hospitalA 15-year-old Palestinian, Fahd Zaidan Awais, was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Al Lubban Al Sharquiya, northern West Bank, after allegedly throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the death, while the Israeli military labeled the boy a 'terrorist.'
israelThe National Union of Retirees of Paraguay (UNJPy) staged a protest outside the IPS headquarters, calling for the full replacement of the Administrative Council while supporting new president Dr. Isaías Fretes. They criticize opaque accounting and demand expert financial management of pension reserves.
ipsDrawing on expert analysis and cultural history, this article explores the profound psychological impact of the maternal bond, the origins of the saying 'Madre hay una sola,' and the lasting influence of mothers on adult identity and emotional health.
mothermaternal-bondmothersmother-child-bondCarlos Pereira, a former member of the IPS Council, has proposed eliminating the body, describing a multi-step internal process for procurement and blaming a lack of follow-up for stalled initiatives. He defended the appointment of the current IPS head as the president's best choice.
ipscarlos-pereiraAina Clotet's debut film, 'Viva,' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's Semaine de la Critique, presenting a comedic yet profound look at a 40-year-old scientist's pursuit of life and personal reinvention after overcoming breast cancer. The film, set against the backdrop of an extreme drought in Catalonia, uses humor to tackle themes of mental health, love, and the search for inner strength.
cannesFormer Paraguayan President and current ANR leader Horacio Cartes made a defiant statement about his health during Independence Day celebrations, dismissing rumors and speculation.
horacio-carteste-deumhonor-coloradoParaguay's Ministry of Health reports that measles vaccination coverage has reached 89% nationwide, with 421,203 children vaccinated so far, according to Unicanal.
measlesA 12-year-old girl arrived pregnant at a hospital in Presidente Franco, accompanied by her 17-year-old partner. The mother was arrested for failing in her duty of care, as Paraguayan law prohibits sexual consent under age 14.
pregnancyminorchild-abusedetentionpresidente-francomother-responsibilityIn a recent column for Noticias CDE, Esteban Ross argues that conventional footwear—with narrow toe boxes and elevated heels—distorts natural foot function, causing juanetes, plantar fasciitis, and back pain. He advocates a gradual transition to minimalist, zero-drop, wide-toe shoes to restore natural posture and health.
foot-healthshoespostureA reflection from Noticias CDE on International Nursing Day highlights the vital yet often overlooked role of nurses in Paraguay, who compensate for resource shortages with creativity and compassion, serving as the true backbone of the country's healthcare.
The Integral Aesthetic Medicine Center CorppoLive in Paraguay was the venue for the official launch of a partnership between anti-aging specialist Teguh Tanuwidjaja and the Paraguayan Association of Aesthetic Medicine, highlighting knowledge exchange and innovation.
corppoliveteguh-tanuwidjaja