Across many communities in Paraguay, there is an ongoing effort to improve access to healthcare, particularly in institutions working with limited supplies and infrastructure. Within these conditions, organisations like the Paz y Amor Foundation play an important role in supporting local healthcare services with essential materials that help improve everyday medical attention and patient care.
The Paz y Amor Foundation
Paz y Amor, meaning peace and love, addresses gaps in access to basic healthcare resources through its humanitarian initiatives. Founded by Sergio Prieto-Dueñas, the organisation responds to the needs of underserved communities by supplying medical equipment and helping expand the capacity of local providers.
“Paz y Amor was founded out of a desire to create a real impact,” says Prieto-Dueñas, “and to directly address those needs while fostering hope and community.” The foundation combines immediate assistance with longer-term efforts to improve care conditions and access to essential services.
A founder with deep roots in Paraguay
Although officially established in 2020, Paz y Amor’s roots date back to 2012, when informal donation efforts first began. What started as small-scale support gradually evolved into a structured initiative focused on addressing resource shortages and creating meaningful opportunities. Sergio’s connection to Paraguay is deeply personal.
“The country is inseparable from my identity, shaped by family ties, culture, and lived experience.” This connection reflects both admiration and an awareness of the country’s challenges. “Paraguay is part of my identity,” he explains, pointing to the resilience of its people as a constant source of inspiration.
A mission to restore dignity
At its core, Paz y Amor goes beyond providing aid, focusing on restoring dignity and opportunity. The organisation aims not only to deliver resources but also to ensure that individuals feel recognised and valued. As Sergio puts it, the goal is “giving people a sense that they are seen, valued, and capable of building something better for themselves.”
The organisation reflects this approach in how it operates. “Paz y Amor works directly with communities, prioritising understanding before action. By collaborating with local institutions and adapting to specific needs, we avoid a one-size-fits-all model. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach… we listen first and build initiatives around that.”
Impact on the ground
The impact of this work is visible both in large-scale efforts and in individual moments of support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation provided essential supplies that supported local healthcare responses. More recently, the organisation used donated emergency kits in real-life situations, including a car accident in Luque. “The impact is measured in real people and real moments,” Prieto-Dueñas explains, “and even when it’s small, it matters deeply.”
Paz y Amor aims to expand access to advanced medical equipment to improve diagnosis and treatment in underserved areas. Future plans include acquiring tools such as MRI, EEG, ultrasound machines, and laboratory technology. As Sergio notes, “access to this kind of equipment can mean the difference between early diagnosis and delayed care, or even life and death.”
How you can help
Paz y Amor continues to grow through awareness, community assistance, and public engagement. If you are interested in supporting the initiative you can follow Paz y Amor on Instagram for updates on current projects and initiatives. Staying informed and sharing the organisation’s mission helps expand its reach and strengthen the impact over time. You can also get in touch with the organisation through their official email: pazyamor.paraguay@gmail.com
To learn more about health initiatives, visit the health section of The Asunción Times for updates and related stories.
