Argentina

Since 1972, our funding in Argentina has helped build strong research capabilities and encourage sound government policies in areas such as trade, the economy, industrial development, social services, and health care.

For example, researchers in the Latin American Trade Network helped Argentinean negotiators pursue international trade agreements to sustain growth and reduce poverty.

In another successful project, the municipal government in Buenos Aires improved its ability to control the spread of mosquito-borne dengue fever. Our research revealed factors that increased the spread of the disease, and helped the city generate better public health education tools.

Our support also helped the Mapuche — an Indigenous people — improve their computer skills. The research has created the conditions for future economic activity and jobs, especially for youth in rural communities.

Research for democracy

Our funding has helped move the country toward democracy. Our support for Argentinean research institutions during the country’s military dictatorship in the late 1970s and early 1980s allowed social scientists to continue their work, despite repression by the then military government. We proved instrumental during Argentina’s transition to democracy by laying the groundwork for many new institutions and policies. When democracy was restored, IDRC-supported researchers took up key leadership posts — including in foreign affairs, international cooperation, and planning.

Primary health care success

In less than 15 years, the city of Rosario, Argentina, successfully transformed a highly fragmented, under-resourced hospital system into one strongly organized around primary health care. How did this happen?  

Researchers found the successful shift resulted from a social movement empowering young professionals, public health experts, and politicians to improve health care access. The trend also raised rewards for health professionals. Their increased participation in management helped redefine the municipal health system’s norms and values. Ultimately, a shared vision among the players strengthened coordination between primary health centres and health-care providers.

Rosario has become a model for other health systems in Argentina and beyond. It provides important insights into how to strengthen health systems by using a primary health-care strategy.