# South American public health initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-public-health-initiatives > Updated: 2026-08-31T17:26:23.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2. Public health authorities in South America are implementing various immunization and hygiene initiatives across several nations. In Uruguay, the Ministry of Public Health has expanded its meningococcus vaccination campaign to include children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years following an “unusual increase in meningococcal disease cases.” Minister of Public Health Cristina Lustemberg noted that access methods vary by department, with some requiring digital appointments and others allowing walk-ins. In Argentina, health officials in Entre Ríos and Chubut have extended vaccination campaigns against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) until September 30, targeting pregnant women in their 32nd to 36th weeks of gestation to protect both mothers and newborns due to increased viral circulation. Meanwhile, medical councils in Córdoba have emphasized the need to maintain pediatric vaccination coverage due to concerns over misinformation and declining rates, and health educators in Jujuy are receiving tools to strengthen community outreach, including work within the penitentiary service. In Paraguay, the Ministry of Public Health is conducting the ‘Caries Cero’ (Zero Cavities) program in schools, providing dental education and oral hygiene kits to students from preschool through basic cycles. Additionally, in Panama, health officials in Los Santos are conducting educational sessions focused on mental health, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory prevention. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Latin American health ministries expand vaccination and preventive care programs Health ministries in Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Panama are expanding vaccination campaigns and preventive programs, including meningococcal and RSV immunizations and school-based dental care. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-expands-meningococcus-vaccination-campaign ### 2026-08-26: Public health updates: RSV vaccination deadlines in Brazil and COVID-19 surges in the US Health authorities in Goiânia, Brazil, are concluding an RSV vaccination drive for high-risk children, while the US reports a rise in COVID-19 cases driven by new subvariants. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/public-health-updates-rsv-vaccination-deadlines-in-brazil-and-covid-19-surges-in-the-us --- Cite as: South American public health initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-american-public-health-initiatives