The Friendship Medical Mission 25 (Misión Médica Amistad 25), a collaborative initiative between Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health and the United States government, provided over 1,186 hours of free medical care nationwide in August. The mission, named “Amistad” (for “friendship”), embodies the spirit of cooperation, and mutual support. This two-week initiative showcased successful healthcare cooperation, and professional knowledge exchange between both countries.
Thirty-five US doctors participated in the first half of August 2025, collaborating with Paraguayan healthcare professionals and Ministry of National Defence personnel. Specialities included dentistry, ophthalmology, and family medicine. The mission deployed to public hospitals nationwide, distributing medication and spectacles, and offering comprehensive medical guidance, focusing on areas with high healthcare demand.
Friendship Medical Mission 25 highlights
The 1,186 clinical hours comprised 474 dental consultations, 598 optometry consultations, with an equal number of spectacles prescribed. Additionally, 105 family medicine consultations, 78 emergency treatments, 81 surgical operations, and five trauma surgeries. Then there were 106 hours dedicated to educational activities, 35 medical devices were repaired, a new dental chair was installed (estimated repair value US$6,475), and a dental chair was donated to the Tarumandy health centre in the city of Luque.
Significant achievements included the first root canal performed at the Primero de Mayo USF (Unidad de Salud Familiar, or Family Health Unit), and a maxillofacial reconstruction, demonstrating notable advancements for local healthcare services.
Positive impact and future collaboration
Saúl Recalde, Paraguay’s Vice-Minister of Integral Healthcare, stated that all procedures fostered sustainability and knowledge sharing. Recalde highlighted the positive impact of the Friendship Medical Mission 25, saying: “These are lives changed, pain relieved, and hopes renewed. I can only say thank you very much for the equipment delivered to the USF, for the surgeries and the care. I hope Amistad 26 is already on its way.”
The Ministry of Public Health added that such strategic alliances bring healthcare closer to the people in Paraguay, expanding service coverage, and promoting a cooperative model that prioritises people in public policies.
