PASSPORT People: Meet Dr Viviana Pavlicich – Steering Group Clinical Representative
Head of Department, Hospital General Pediatrico Ni;os de Acosta Ñu (Paraguay)
Dr Viviana Pavlicich is Head of Department at Hospital General Pediátrico Niños de Acosta Ñu in Paraguay, where she has dedicated more than 20 years to paediatric emergency medicine. Working in a public children’s hospital that cares for large numbers of patients from communities with limited resources, she combines clinical leadership with teaching — guiding university students, paediatric residents and emergency medicine fellows. Her work is shaped by the daily realities of caring for children who often face significant barriers to healthcare.
How has sepsis touched your life and work?
Sepsis is a frequent and urgent challenge in my hospital. Because of barriers in education, healthcare access, transportation and vaccination, children often arrive with sepsis at varying stages of progression. Every day, at least one patient comes to our Emergency Department showing signs of sepsis.
From your country’s perspective — what is the biggest challenge in caring for children with sepsis?
The greatest challenge is improving the living conditions of the population — something beyond the reach of healthcare professionals. Within our influence, however, is education: empowering families and healthcare workers to recognise sepsis early, and strengthening the organisation of treatment at every level of care.
What do you hope this global project will achieve for children and families?
I hope this project reaches as many children and their families as possible, so they can understand how to prevent sepsis in every possible way, how to recognise it, and how to seek help early.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
That I could have chosen to work with the wealthier population in my country (Paraguay), and my professional life would have been very different. But even as a foreigner, I chose to take on the challenge of working in public healthcare and education. That decision brought many difficulties throughout my professional life, but if I could go back 30 years, I would make the same choice again.
A favourite quote or saying
I draw inspiration from my father and grandmother, who faced life’s challenges with energy, serenity and optimism. They taught me that true strength lies not in avoiding hardship but moving forward with calm determination. As Albert Camus wrote:
‘In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.’
Anything else you'd like to share?
I love travelling to explore new places and cultures — observing how people live, what they believe in and what they fear. I also enjoy nature and spending time with my family.
