The project, which will benefit more than 28,000 people, aims to control congenital transmission of Chagas disease in Paraguay, thereby improving the health and quality of life of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and newborns.

Given the healthcare challenges in the country, the project focuses on rural areas and indigenous communities, which account for 71% of maternal mortality in Paraguay. It specifically targets the department of Presidente Hayes, located in the Paraguayan Chaco, where Chagas prevalence reaches 13%.

To combat vertical transmission, the project will strengthen maternal and child healthcare at the Teniente Irala Fernández (TIF) health center by detecting Chagas and other vertically transmitted diseases, and by training professionals in gynecological and obstetric ultrasound. Simultaneously, a protocol will be developed to establish a local serobank for research and validation of rapid tests, biomarkers, and the LAMP technique for diagnosing Chagas in newborns of infected mothers.

Aligned with the goals of the Pan American Health Organization’s ETMI Plus program, the initiative also aims to promote active community participation through educational and awareness activities in schools, mothers' clubs, and community radio stations.

Through this comprehensive strategy, the program seeks to generate a positive impact in the community and strengthen knowledge about disease prevention. To support this, Fundación Probitas and ISGlobal, in collaboration with local stakeholders, will develop an educational booklet and a teacher's guide as an introduction to Chagas disease and gynecological-obstetric care.

Second Phase of the Project

This initiative builds on a previous project, during which two laboratories were renovated through infrastructure improvements, upgraded equipment, and staff training.

Thanks to that initial phase, which also included an analysis of the region's epidemiological situation and the sharing of findings with local health authorities, the diagnostic process was strengthened and improved, a key step in controlling the vertical transmission of Chagas disease and other infections.

Renewal of agreement with ISGlobal

At an act held at the headquarters of Fundación Probitas, Dr. Anna Veiga, Director of Fundación Probitas, and Dr. Quique Bassat, General Director of ISGlobal, signed the collaboration agreement between the two organizations with a duration of two years. 

“This new project marks another step forward and reaffirms Probitas' commitment to controlling Chagas disease in Paraguay. To achieve the best outcomes and improve the health of thousands of people, we are partnering with ISGlobal, a leading international reference in the field of Chagas,” stated Dr. Anna Veiga, Director of Fundación Probitas.

“For years, ISGlobal has worked closely with Fundación Probitas to combat Chagas disease, a condition that remains a major challenge in Paraguay and other countries in the region. This new project strengthens our joint commitment and will allow us to make further progress in the prevention, detection, and treatment of vertical transmission of Chagas, improving the health of thousands of women and newborns in highly vulnerable communities,” emphasized Dr. Quique Bassat, General Director of ISGlobal.

With this initiative, Fundación Probitas reaffirms its dedication to improving the health of vulnerable individuals and communities around the world, approaching health from a holistic perspective that encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being.