May serves as a crucial month for raising awareness about preeclampsia, a serious condition that poses a significant threat to maternal and infant health. This silent disease, linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy or up to six weeks postpartum, is scientifically attributed to placental development issues. Its insidious nature lies in its often asymptomatic early stages, making regular medical check-ups essential for detection through elevated blood pressure and protein in urine.
Globally, preeclampsia is a major public health concern, responsible for an estimated 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths annually, with the majority occurring in low and middle-income countries. In Paraguay, it consistently ranks among the primary causes of maternal mortality. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS) and medical experts stress that early and consistent prenatal care is the most effective preventive measure.
For high-risk individuals, specific medical interventions and close monitoring can prevent the condition from escalating to severe complications such as organ failure, eclampsia (seizures), or even death. Early diagnosis and rigorous follow-up are vital for ensuring a safe pregnancy and delivery.
The Fundación Rassmuss has been actively involved in Paraguay since 2017, supporting the Ministry of Health's initiatives focused on adolescent and maternal health through its Safe Motherhood Program. The foundation provides training nationwide and strengthens obstetric care in 12 public and reference hospitals. This includes enhancing the capacity of emergency room personnel through the Ministry's 'Código Rojo' (Red Code) strategy, equipping professionals across the country to manage hypertensive disorders of pregnancy critically.
Education plays a pivotal role in prevention. The program promotes continuous learning through masterclasses, congresses, free online courses, mass campaigns, and direct outreach to pregnant women, underscoring the importance of both prenatal and postpartum check-ups. The unified message from health organizations this May is clear: early prenatal control is not an option, but a critical determinant of life and death.