The Ministry of Public Health in Paraguay, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has officially launched the initiative “Enhancing Laboratory and Surveillance Capacity for Infectious Disease Response in Paraguay.”
Supported by a $14.5 million investment from KOICA, the project is designed to boost Paraguay’s preparedness and effectiveness in tackling outbreaks of infectious diseases.
The program will prioritize strengthening the capabilities of the Central Public Health Laboratory of Paraguay (LCSP) and the General Directorate of Health Surveillance (DGVS) to enhance national health resilience.
Key Milestones of the Initiative
One of the project’s standout features is the construction of a cutting-edge LCSP facility. This 3,000-square-meter building will adhere to Biosafety Level II standards and be fully equipped to deliver precise and swift diagnostic services.
Spanning five years (2024–2029), the project encompasses four primary objectives:
- Building a modern laboratory: The central focus, providing a safe and effective space for diagnostics.
- Improving laboratory operations: Empowering staff through training and refining internal workflows.
- Enhancing surveillance data systems: Upgrading tools for collecting, analyzing, and sharing epidemiological data.
- Developing an integrated information system: Leveraging technology to efficiently manage infectious disease data.
This initiative represents a transformative step in strengthening Paraguay’s public health infrastructure while fostering long-term collaboration with KOICA.