PAHO Director signs cooperation agreement with AECID during official visit to Spain – PAHO/WHO

Dr. Barbosa also participated in the launch of the Pan-Hispanic Dictionary of Medical Terminology in Madrid, after a two-day visit to the European Union to discuss priority health issues for the Americas.

Madrid, November 13, 2023 (PAHO) – The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) in the areas of obstetric and neonatal emergencies, elimination of cervical cancer, health information systems, human resources for health and improving clinical capabilities during disasters and pandemics. As part of the agreement, the AECID will donate 1.45 million euros to PAHO this year.

The signing took place during the official visit of the director to Spain to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Elcano Institute of International and Strategic Studies, with the aim of strengthening cooperation with the country to support health projects. and initiatives in the region.

“We thank the government of Spain for the contribution,” said Dr. Barbosa. “Spain has been a firm partner of PAHO over the years and we are happy to intensify our collaboration for the benefit of the people of the Americas.”

In Madrid, Dr. Barbosa also participated in the presentation of the Pan-Hispanic Dictionary of Medical Terminology, the culmination of eight years of work, in which 13 national academies of medicine from Spain and Latin America participated.

The launch of this dictionary is crucial, stated Dr. Barbosa, to help “close the conceptual gaps that persist between Spanish and English in an area as key as health sciences.”

It will also promote the generation of knowledge and experience in areas such as the development of resilient and inclusive health systems, the control of chronic and communicable diseases, health surveillance of emerging diseases and social and environmental determinants, “which increasingly impact health.” and health». well-being of the population.”

Prior to his arrival in Spain, Dr. Barbosa made his first official visit to Brussels, Belgium, during which he met with members of the European Parliament to discuss regional health priorities and areas of interregional cooperation between Europe and the Americas.

The PAHO Director also met with officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Directorates General of Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) of the European Commission, International Alliances (INTPA) and Health and Food Safety ( SANTE), as well as the European Development Financial Institution (EDFI) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and members of civil society organizations, where he discussed transatlantic cooperation and alliances, and strengthening financing for the health in Latin America and the Caribbean.