WVD in Latin America and The Caribbean
A Marathon of Training and Reproductive Health Equity
From October 8 to 30, 2023, WVD held a series of historic events that marked a milestone in reproductive health across Latin America and the Caribbean, training doctors throughout the region in the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) technique and offering the procedure free of charge to more than 300 men. From El Salvador to Argentina, this marathon of training and action left a profound and lasting impact on male reproductive health and contraceptive equity in the region.
El Salvador: A Milestone in Public Health
The journey began in El Salvador, from October 8 to 12, where the WVD team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of El Salvador (MINSAL), conducted NSV training for three doctors from the public health system. This historic event was the first of its kind in the country, and not only trained health professionals in a less invasive and safer technique for patients, but also enabled more than 120 men to receive free vasectomies. The presence of international experts such as Dr. Michel Labrecque, Dr. Eloisa González, and Dr. John Curington was crucial to the success of the training, which marked the beginning of a new phase for contraceptive equity in El Salvador.
Argentina: Training and Social Commitment
After the success in El Salvador, WVD moved on to Argentina to continue its work. From November 19 to 23, more than 120 men received vasectomies at Hospital San Martín in Buenos Aires Province, the largest and most important hospital in the region. During this session, four urologists from the provincial Ministry of Health were trained in the NSV technique under the guidance of Dr. Curington, Dr. González, and Dr. Alex Galante. The training day was a resounding success, allowing for the effective integration of the technique into the region’s public health protocols.
The marathon continued from November 25 to 29 in Buenos Aires, where three urologists from Casa FUSA, a key medical center for male reproductive health care, were trained in NSV. In this event, nearly 60 men benefited from the no-scalpel procedure, and the team at Casa FUSA demonstrated exceptional commitment to both training and high-quality care. The session culminated on November 30 with a practical demonstration by Dr. Curington at Casa Matrioshka, a social organization serving vulnerable communities. There, five men received their vasectomy, thanks to Casa Matrioshka’s dedication to contraceptive equity.
A Commitment to the Future
This marathon of training and procedures across Latin America and the Caribbean not only responded to the growing demand for male contraceptive methods but also reflected WVD’s commitment to gender equity in reproductive health. The no-scalpel vasectomy technique is more accessible, less painful, and less expensive than other methods, making it an ideal option for men who want to actively participate in family planning.
The work carried out in these countries is just the beginning. As the organization prepares for WVD 2025 in Latin America, this collective effort demonstrates that when training, social commitment, and high-quality medical care come together, profound changes can be made in public health and in the lives of thousands of people. Without a doubt, World Vasectomy Day continues to show that male reproductive health is also a priority for global equity.
