The Paraguayan Ministry of Public Health and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have formalised the start of the project 'Strengthening laboratory and surveillance capacity for communicable disease response in Paraguay'.

This project, funded by KOICA with a $14.5 million investment, aims to improve Paraguay’s ability to respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

The project will focus on strengthening the capacities of the Paraguayan Central Public Health Laboratory (LCSP) and their General Directorate of Health Surveillance (DGVS).

One of the project’s highlights is constructing a new LCSP building with Biosafety Level II. This modern 3,000-square-meter facility will be equipped and furnished to conduct accurate and rapid diagnostics.

The project will run for five years (2024-2029) and consists of four main components:

• Construction of a new laboratory: the project’s core, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for diagnostic testing.
• Strengthening laboratory management: training staff and improving internal processes.
• Strengthening surveillance data management: optimising systems for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating epidemiological data.
• Development of an information system: a technological tool to comprehensively manage information on infectious diseases.