PAHO provided sustained technical cooperation to Nicaragua’s national health regulatory authority through the joint development of an institutional development plan addressing critical gaps in the regulatory framework. This process included the updating of regulations, strengthening of technical and administrative capacities, and the standardization of procedures for the evaluation, authorization, and surveillance of medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies. Technical assistance included a guided assessment that informed continuous improvements and prepared the country to advance in the application of the Global Benchmarking Tool.

As a result, Nicaragua is progressing toward achieving regulatory maturity level 3. This strengthening is particularly relevant given that the country is a producer of a WHO‑prequalified vaccine. Regarding impact, improved regulatory functions contribute to more resilient health systems, enhanced protection of the population from unsafe or ineffective products, and greater sustainability of policies aimed at expanding access to health technologies.