The fourteenth edition of the Mitã Vy’arã programme, which means Child’s Well-Being in Guaraní, was held at the General Hospital of Itapúa and brought hope and relief to dozens of families. Over the course of three days, children and adolescents from across the department and neighbouring areas received specialised medical care and free surgeries that addressed health conditions often left untreated.
Care for children who need it most
From 18 to 20 September 2025, families arrived at the hospital for consultations, evaluations, and procedures. In total, 66 surgeries were performed free of charge. The operations addressed a wide range of conditions including abdominal wall hernias, hydrocele, phimosis, tongue-tie, cysts, warts, and other ailments that, though common, are frequently neglected due to financial limitations or a lack of access to medical specialists.
For many parents, the surgeries represented both peace of mind and a healthier future for their children. Several families had travelled long distances from rural areas, demonstrating the urgent need for initiatives that decentralise health services and bring them closer to vulnerable populations.
Making hospitals less intimidating
Beyond the surgical procedures, organisers placed strong emphasis on ensuring that the environment was welcoming and child-friendly. Corridors were decorated with bright colours and playful designs, and volunteers dressed as beloved characters helped lighten the atmosphere. The intention was to reduce the fear and stress that children often feel when entering a hospital setting.
This humanised approach not only made the children more comfortable but also created a sense of reassurance for their families. By recognising the emotional needs of patients alongside their physical health, the programme highlighted the importance of compassionate medical care.
Mitã Vy’arã: Collaboration for better healthcare
The Mitã Vy’arã initiative started in 2021 and is the result of collaboration between public institutions, such as the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, the Paraguayan Society of Pediatric Surgery and volunteers. Paediatric surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses joined efforts to ensure that each procedure was carried out safely and effectively.
The General Hospital of Itapúa provided the facilities and medical infrastructure, while local authorities and partner organisations supported the logistics of bringing families from different parts of the region.
The programme has become a model of how coordinated action can bring meaningful healthcare access to those who need it most. It also reflects a growing recognition within Paraguay of the importance of investing in paediatric health and preventive medicine.
Pathway towards a healthier tomorrow
Since its creation, Mitã Vy’arã has grown into a programme that not only heals but also celebrates the right of children to live healthier, happier lives. By providing timely treatment for conditions that could otherwise worsen over time, it helps to prevent long-term complications and ensures that children can enjoy a better quality of life.
For the 66 children and their families, this fourteenth edition of Mitã Vy’arã was more than a medical campaign, it was a fresh start, a lighter burden, and a brighter tomorrow. The smiles of children leaving the hospital without fear and the gratitude expressed by parents serve as reminders of the profound difference that access to free healthcare can make.
As the programme continues to expand, it strengthens the vision of a Paraguay where every child, regardless of background or economic situation, has the chance to grow up healthy, confident, and full of hope.
