El Salvador seeks $75 million CAF loan for maternal health

The Legislative Assembly's Finance Commission has issued a favorable report for the Salvadoran government to secure a loan of up to $75 million from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF). The funds are intended to support the Maternal-Infant Health Model and strengthen the country's maternal care network.

Key investments include equipping the “Nacer con Cariño El Nido” Maternity Center and modernizing infrastructure and technology for maternal and neonatal care. Specific allocations include medical equipment such as ultrasonography machines, clinical instruments, prenatal technology, delivery room materials, and incubators.

The project also targets regional hospitals, specifically the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Santa Ana—to serve Santa Ana, Sonsonate, and Ahuachapán—and the San Juan de Dios Hospital in San Miguel. The proposed financing from CAF includes a term of up to 18 years, featuring a grace period of up to 54 months. The initiative moves to the legislative plenary for a final decision on September 9, 2026.