Brazil and Paraguay strengthen border health and sanitary surveillance

Brazil and Paraguay have strengthened health cooperation through new agreements aimed at securing border regions. Anvisa (Brazil) and Dinavisa (Paraguay) have formalized a partnership to exchange information and conduct joint surveillance to combat the illegal trade of weight loss medications. This follows a significant surge in seizures; Brazilian Federal Police reported 165,589 units of weight loss drugs seized in the first half of 2026 alone, a 172% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Many of these products, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, enter via the Foz do Iguaçu region.

Additionally, health authorities met in Campo Grande to establish the ‘Carta de Campo Grande,’ a framework for integrated health actions. The agreement focuses on data sharing, synchronized vaccination efforts, and coordinated responses to arboviruses. A new working group will also address health service needs in the border areas of Carmelo Peralta and Porto Murtinho to prepare for increased movement of people and goods following the operation of the Bioceanic Route and a new international bridge. The initiative includes using Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) platforms to improve disease visualization and decision-making.