Asuncion, IP Agency.- The Ministry of Public Health, through the National Directorate of Health of Indigenous Peoples (Dinasapi), hired 16 indigenous professionals in the area of health. Among them are graduates in nursing, pharmaceutical chemist; technicians in pharmacy, radiology and laboratory; as well as indigenous health promoters of the Yshir Ybytoso, Chamacoco, Ava Guarani, Mbya Guarani, Western Guarani, Sanapana and Ayoreo Totovigosode peoples.
The inclusion of these professionals promotes and supports the postulates of Law No. 5,469/15 on Indigenous Health and Law No. 6,279/19, which establishes the obligation to incorporate people from indigenous communities in public institutions.
Some will work in their communities and others in health services where they will help improve care for patients belonging to indigenous peoples.
The director of Dinasapi, Dalila Oviedo, said that these additions constitute an important step towards compliance with the Indigenous Health Law, but also great news for indigenous peoples, who through these measures can observe the important decisions that the Ministry of Health is making for their inclusion in the work carried out by this institution, valuing the effort and dedication that indigenous professionals have put into their training to serve their peoples.
The professional highlighted that not only the Indigenous Health Law motivates taking these measures, but also Law No. 6,279/19, which establishes the mandatory incorporation of people from indigenous communities in public institutions, recognizes the need to open paths for them to participate in all areas of society, in which they have important knowledge and experiences to contribute.
He said that the Ministry of Health’s commitment to the indigenous population is clear and direct and means ensuring intercultural, inclusive, non-discriminatory care that allows all indigenous peoples access to more personalized, comprehensive care that is in line with the diverse cultures to which they belong.
The inclusion of professionals from diverse indigenous communities in various areas of the Ministry of Public Health not only benefits patients, but also contributes to strengthening diversity in the public health system, the health ministry said.
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2024-09-13 05:06:16
Table of Contents
Empowering Indigenous Communities in Paraguay: Breaking Barriers in Healthcare
Paraguay, a country with a rich cultural heritage, is home to 19 indigenous communities, each with their unique traditions and ways of life [[3]]. Despite facing numerous challenges, these communities have been working tirelessly to preserve their identities and improve their living conditions. In recent years, there have been significant strides made in the area of healthcare, with a focus on empowering indigenous communities to take charge of their own health and well-being.
Indigenous Professionals in Healthcare
In a notable development, the Ministry of Public Health in Paraguay has hired 16 indigenous professionals in the area of health, including graduates in nursing, pharmaceutical chemistry, and technicians in pharmacy, radiology, and laboratory [[query]]. These health professionals, representing various indigenous communities such as Yshir Ybytoso, Chamacoco, Ava Guarani, Mbya Guarani, Western Guarani, Sanapana, and Ayoreo Totovigosode, will work in their communities and health services, providing much-needed care to patients belonging to indigenous peoples.
This achievement is a significant step towards compliance with the Indigenous Health Law and the incorporation of people from indigenous communities in public institutions, as mandated by Law No. 6,279/19 [[query]]. The inclusion of indigenous professionals in healthcare will not only improve the quality of care but also help to bridge the cultural gap between healthcare providers and indigenous patients.
Community-Led Healthcare Initiatives
In addition to the hiring of indigenous health professionals, there are several community-led initiatives that are making a positive impact in Paraguay. For instance, indigenous midwife Teresa Aguirre has been providing care to women for decades in the town of Ñacunday, a small community of Mbya-Guarani people [[1]]. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in improving the health outcomes of women in her community.
Similarly, the Ava Guaraní community has been working to produce and care for yerba mate, a sacred plant that is not only a source of income but also helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change [[2]]. This initiative not only promotes sustainable livelihoods but also helps to preserve the cultural heritage of the community.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress made, indigenous communities in Paraguay still face significant challenges, including limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and development. By empowering indigenous communities to take charge of their own health and well-being, we can create a more equitable and just society.
the empowerment of indigenous communities in Paraguay is a critical step towards achieving better health outcomes and promoting sustainable development. By supporting community-led initiatives and hiring indigenous health professionals, we can create a more inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare system that truly serves the needs of all Paraguayans.
Indigenous Health Professionals: A Step Towards Inclusive Healthcare in Paraguay
In a significant move towards promoting inclusive healthcare, the Ministry of Public Health in Paraguay has hired 16 indigenous professionals in the area of health [[4]]. This initiative marks a crucial step towards compliance with the Indigenous Health Law and recognizes the importance of incorporating people from indigenous communities in public institutions.
The newly hired professionals, including graduates in nursing, pharmaceutical chemistry, technicians in pharmacy, radiology, and laboratory, as well as indigenous health promoters, will work in their communities and health services to improve care for patients belonging to indigenous peoples. This move not only supports the postulates of Law No. 5,469/15 on Indigenous Health but also Law No. 6,279/19, which establishes the obligation to incorporate people from indigenous communities in public institutions.
According to Dalila Oviedo, director of Dinasapi, the National Directorate of Health of Indigenous Peoples, this addition of indigenous professionals is a significant step towards ensuring intercultural, inclusive, non-discriminatory care that allows all indigenous peoples access to more personalized, comprehensive care that is in line with their diverse cultures [[4]].
The importance of indigenous health professionals cannot be overstated. Indigenous communities often face significant health disparities due to their low socioeconomic status and marginalization, which affects their overall health status [[1]]. By incorporating indigenous professionals in the healthcare system, the Ministry of Public Health is acknowledging the need to address these disparities and provide more culturally sensitive care.
Moreover, this move recognizes the valuable contributions that indigenous professionals can make to the healthcare system. Indigenous health promoters, for instance, have a deep understanding of their communities’ specific needs and are better equipped to address health issues that may be unique to their communities.
The success of this initiative is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes in indigenous communities. In Paraguay, indigenous communities often face challenges in accessing healthcare services, particularly in remote areas [[2]]. The inclusion of indigenous professionals in the healthcare system can help bridge this gap and ensure that healthcare services are more accessible and culturally sensitive.
Furthermore, this initiative has broader implications for promoting inclusive healthcare in Paraguay. By valuing the effort and dedication of indigenous professionals, the Ministry of Public Health is recognizing the importance of incorporating people from indigenous communities in all areas of society [[4]]. This can lead to more inclusive policies and programs that address the specific needs of indigenous communities.
In addition, initiatives like these can also promote sustainable development in indigenous communities. For instance, the Ava Guarani community in Paraguay has been working to produce and care for yerba mate, a crop that is not only an important source of income but also helps mitigate the impacts of climate change [[3]]. By supporting indigenous-led initiatives like these, the government can promote sustainable development and improve the overall well-being of indigenous communities.
the inclusion of indigenous health professionals in the healthcare system is a significant step towards promoting inclusive healthcare in Paraguay. By recognizing the importance of indigenous professionals and incorporating them in the healthcare system, the Ministry of Public Health is acknowledging the need to address health disparities and promote culturally sensitive care. This initiative has far-reaching implications for improving healthcare outcomes in indigenous communities and promoting sustainable development in Paraguay.
References:
[1] Cabello, A. (2015). Social Determinants of Health in Indigenous Population in the. International Journal of Epidemiology, 44(suppl_1), i284.
[2] UNICEF. (n.d.). Institutions provide services to remote Chaco community. Retrieved from
[3] Food and Agriculture Organization. (2023). A Paraguayan indigenous community’s effort to produce and care for the sacred plant yerba mate. Retrieved from
[4] IP Agency. (2024). Ministry of Public Health hires 16 indigenous professionals in the area of health. Retrieved from
