Training community agents on maternal risk and territorial monitoring in Paraguay

Community work to improve comprehensive support from Primary Health Care in Alto Paraná .

A total of 68 community health agents , from 66 Family Health Units (USF) in the department of Alto Paraná , participated in a training day held at the National University of Integration of the Americas (UNIDA) , Ciudad del Este branch.

The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen skills in the early detection of pregnant women and comprehensive support in the territory , fundamental pillars for primary health care.

The activity, which was very well received , also included the participation of representatives from the Health Region , including teams from Obstetrics, Mental Health, Regional Coordination, Indigenous Health , the Integrated Health Services Network (RISS) , the Primary Health Care (APS) Headquarters and technicians from the Religious Foundation for Health (FRS) .

It is worth noting that this initiative is part of one of the components of the agreement “Improving access and quality of public adolescent health services with a focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and the reduction of adolescent pregnancy” , implemented jointly by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the Religious Foundation for Health , with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) .

Throughout the sessions , held on November 18th and 19th , various topics were addressed aimed at strengthening community work. Initially , maternal and neonatal risk factors were analyzed , using practical examples that facilitated the exchange of experiences among the participants.

Subsequently , aspects related to effective communication and health education were addressed , through role-playing dynamics that recreated home visits , active listening exercises , and strategies aimed at improving the motivation and follow-up of users .

The program continued with the development of the following modules:

• First , the presentation of the Comprehensive Care Route , in which the fundamental steps from recruitment to referral and continuous support were reviewed.

• The registration and monitoring module was also addressed , with emphasis on the proper use of forms, territorial maps, and ongoing coordination with health teams.

• Finally , complex situations that may arise in the territory were analyzed through simulated cases related to user resistance, family conflicts, and the timely detection of warning signs.

In the final stage of the activity , participants worked in groups to plan community outreach strategies and adapt actions to the specific characteristics of each sector.

To conclude the day , a general evaluation was conducted, followed by a collective feedback session . The active participation of the regional technical teams allowed for the unification of criteria, the strengthening of procedures, and improved coordination among the different levels of the network, with the goal of optimizing support for pregnant women in the Alto Paraná department.

Finally , representatives of the Religious Foundation for Health highlighted the importance of these training spaces, emphasizing that they constitute a key element for strengthening Primary Health Care in Paraguay .