WASHINGTON, D.C., March 19, 2025 – The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors on Monday approved a project that will help improve access to quality health services in El Salvador, with a focus on primary health care. The investment covers improvements in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as palliative care to ensure the highest possible level of health care and well-being for the population.
The Improving Health Care in El Salvador Project (PROMAS) is a US $120 million, five-year project that aims to strengthen the country’s health care system by improving infrastructure and equipment, expanding specialized care services, and developing a health network model. PROMAS will directly benefit users of public health facilities, including women, children, rural communities, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples.
Health Minister Francisco José Alabí Montoya said: "We are committed to continue building a more accessible and efficient health system for all Salvadorans. This World Bank-financed project is an important step in strengthening our health system.”
The project will also help boost the health ministry’s operational capacity, indirectly benefiting the entire population of El Salvador. It will invest in key areas such as digital health system transformation and supply chain management, as well as in human resources through training and capacity-building activities to enhance skills and knowledge.
"This project provides a unique opportunity to transform the health system in El Salvador. So, to maximize the impact of our activities, we will work with the Ministry of Health as well as with the Pan American Health Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank under the Alliance for Primary Health Care initiative," said Carine Clert, World Bank Country Manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica.
The operation includes a Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC) that allows countries to rapidly access and disburse project funds in response to eligible emergencies, thereby reducing response times and mitigating the impact on the affected populations. Given the country’s vulnerability to natural phenomena and climate change, the mechanism provides El Salvador with immediate access to resources to ensure a rapid and effective response to disasters and emergencies.
The loan, which is financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), is a variable rate loan with a 25-year maturity and a 4.5-year grace period.
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