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How the Church’s recent medical donations are creating an atmosphere of gratitude and hope in Latin America

These donations underscore the Church’s commitment to the health and well-being of communities by collaborating with organizations that serve those most in need

As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to provide relief and aid in Latin America in forms of medical equipment and outpouring love, members of these communities say they are filled with a deep spirit of gratitude. The donations include advanced medical equipment for eye procedures at an eye clinic in Paraguay; X-ray equipment to a hospital in Argentina; and a variety of medical devices from stethoscopes to stretchers to pediatric scales at a health center in Guatemala. These significant advancements in medical services have benefited not only the patients but their families, volunteers and employees.

Read more about the impact of various recent donations have strengthened communities and individuals alike.

Asuncion, Paraguay

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donates advanced medical equipment to the Fernando Oca del Valle Eye Bank and Visión Foundation in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Nov. 5, 2024.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated advanced medical equipment to the Fernando Oca del Valle Eye Bank Foundation and the Visión Foundation in November 2024.

This donation included a phacoemulsification with vitrectomy, which is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a cataract and implantation of an intraocular lens in combination with a vitrectomy; a Topcon OFFISS system (OFFISS is short of optical fiber free intravitreal surgery system) which is a microscope specifically crafted for eye-related procedures, with a focus on intravitreal procedures, to place medication in the back of the eye; and other instruments that will be used to perform posterior vitrectomy surgeries and cataract treatments.

For 50 years, the foundation has provided medical care — offering more than 15,000 eye exams and around 800 surgeries annually to low-income individuals. This donation will now allow the foundation to provide more than 20,000 people per year with medical attention, including those who suffer from diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein thrombosis, according to the Church’s Spanish-language Newsroom.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donates advanced medical equipment to the Fernando Oca del Valle Eye Bank and Visión Foundation in Asuncion, Paraguay on Nov. 5, 2024.

The administrator of the foundation, Laura Acosta, not only thanked the Church for its contribution but recognized the positive impact this donation has had on their patients.

Don Vidal, a resident of Lambaré who received an eye transplant thanks to this equipment, shared his experience with emotion: “Before, I saw a cloud. ... The next day [after the procedure], the doctor took off the patch, and I was happy when I could see.”

In addition, the donation included portable laser equipment enables Fundación Visión to provide treatment for both premature infants and adults at risk of retinal detachment. In the past three months, over 200 babies have been assessed with this equipment across clinics in different regions of Paraguay. Being portable, the system can be transported to medical centers outside Asunción, ensuring that patients in distant areas have access to prompt and convenient care near their homes, Church’s Spanish-language Newsroom reported.

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La Rioja, Argentina

In November 2024, new X-ray equipment was donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Dr. José Ramón Darío Aciar District Hospital in La Rioja, Argentina.

November 2024 marked both the 136th anniversary of the General Lamadrid Department and the donation of new X-ray equipment to the Dr. José Ramón Darío Aciar District Hospital in La Rioja, Argentina, by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The governor of La Rioja province, Gov. Ricardo Quintela, led the event, and was accompanied by local authorities and Church leaders. During the ceremony, the governor asked one of the Church leaders to say a prayer to bless the operation of the new equipment, creating an atmosphere of gratitude and hope among those present, according to the Church’s Spanish-language Newsroom.

Local leaders, authorties and hospital employees attended the donation of new X-ray equipment for the Dr. José Ramón Darío Aciar District Hospital in La Rioja, Argentina in November 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Juan Carlos Vergara, the minister of health, highlighted the importance of the equipment, stating: “It is an important day for those of us who work in health because of the donation of an X-ray machine with cutting-edge technology that will not only serve this hospital and the people of Villa Castelli but also the entire health area.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Church for this act of solidarity that strengthens public health in La Rioja.

Monica Ovejero, communications director of the Church in La Rioja, commented: “A year ago this was written in words, now it is a reality. This state-of-the-art digital X-ray equipment significantly improves the quality of health care.” She also announced that seven intensive care beds will soon be available in the Chamical hospital, also donated by the Church.

In November 2024, new X-ray equipment was donated by the Church to the Dr. José Ramón Darío Aciar District Hospital in La Rioja, Argentina.
In November 2024, new X-ray equipment was donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Dr. José Ramón Darío Aciar District Hospital in La Rioja, Argentina.
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San Pedro Ayampuc, Guatemala

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented a donation to the Colonias Health Center in the municipality of San Pedro Ayampuc, department of Guatemala, in November 2024.

In November 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a donation to the Colonias Health Center in the municipality of San Pedro Ayampuc, Guatemala.

The donation included: stethoscopes, stretchers, pediatric scales, digital thermometers, laboratory refrigerator, stainless steel tables, glucometers, waiting room chairs, computers, printer, power generator, stove, microwave, oasis fans, metal shelving and transportation, among other medical equipment and furniture — reported the Church’s Spanish-language Newsroom.

The donation made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in November 2024 to the Colonias Health Center in the municipality of San Pedro Ayampuc, Guatemala, included pediatric scales.

During the ceremony for the donation, Elder Patricio Giuffra, a General Authority Seventy and first counselor of the Central America Area presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ, said, “This donation is possible thanks to many people from different parts of the world and many people from Guatemala. As a Church, we are supporting other areas, such as education, but today we are here to support and improve your health with this donation.”

San Pedro Ayapuc Mayor Nelvi Quiñónez recognized that the contribution was made possible by the strong relationships maintained with the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ.

“As a city, we are reaching out to where it is most needed. We are very happy. We would first like to thank God and the leaders of the Church, who have been constant in this relationship and with their outreach to bring this blessing to our city. Spreading the word is easy, but what they do is worth a thousand words. Thank you very much,” he said.

The donation made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in November 2024 to the Colonias Health Center in the municipality of San Pedro Ayampuc, Guatemala, included pediatric scales.
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