Policies and strategies implemented in Paraguay to control the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this article is to contribute to the discussion on the repercussions and disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region’s health systems based on the description of the epidemiological scenario, and the policies and strategies implemented in Paraguay. Methodology: This is a case study, a cross-sectional descriptive type. The description was operationalized based on the following dimensions of analysis: crisis management model, governance, leadership, media, technological solutions for surveillance, clinical and healthcare management, care for health personnel, socio-sanitary repercussions, complemented with the rapid review of original articles, official documents, administrative and epidemiological data, and gray literature obtained from websites of national and international steering organizations. Structured matrices were used to organize the relevant information. Results: Health policies were articulated with social policies and solidarity initiatives, immediate suppression measures, and reconfiguration of emergency care and specialized level. The cumulative incidence rate in Paraguay has reached 17 cases per 100 000 inhabitants, with a high proportion of asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients. The protagonism of multiple health, economic, scientific, and mass media actors was decisive in activating intersectoral responses, with the predominance of the National Health Authority’s steering roles. Conclusion: Ethical and political dilemmas demand a broad debate and analysis, due to their impact and socio-health, political, and economic consequences. They also constitute opportunities to redesign strategies and measures to contain them in the short, medium, and long term.