OPS destaca los esfuerzos de los países del MERCOSUR en la promoción de la salud en las fronteras y la cooperación regional – OPS/OMS

Asunción, Paraguay, June 14, 2024 – Within the framework of the 54th Regular Meeting of Ministers of Health of MERCOSUR and Associated States, the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, highlighted progress and common public health challenges of the bloc’s countries, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and integration.

During the meeting, which took place in Paraguay, the country that holds the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR, topics such as health at the borders, drug regulatory systems, the control of diseases such as dengue and other arboviruses, as well as to mental health care.

Advances in health at the borders

Dr. Barbosa recognized the efforts made by the MERCOSUR countries in the last five years to strengthen health at the borders. «Progress has been made from strengthening epidemiological surveillance to the development of a pilot plan for reporting and communication organized through a digital platform,» he stated. «This experience of historical integration and cooperation will form the basis for the development of a new stage of collaboration in order to ensure healthy and safe borders in this subregion,» he added.

The PAHO Director urged the Mercosur countries to work together under the principle of the universal right to health, progressive convergence in the supply of cross-border health services and the organization of integrated service networks, with governance and financing agreed between countries.

Drug regulatory systems: a key challenge

Another topic addressed by the PAHO Director was the need to strengthen drug regulatory systems in the region. «The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of having regulations to access essential technologies and innovations that are measured, effective, safe and of quality,» he said. Dr. Barbosa considered it necessary to work to reduce inequality in access to these products and promote innovation, development and regional production of medicines, vaccines and medical supplies.

Reduction of prices and acquisition of high-cost medications.

In response to the request of several Health Ministers in the region, PAHO is working on a strategy to reduce prices and the acquisition of high-cost medicines. «A list of priority products has been shared with PAHO and each medication has been carefully analyzed,» explained Dr. Barbosa. The Organization is suggesting a short list of high-cost priority drugs, including drugs for metastatic melanoma, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, prostate and breast cancer.

Dengue, Oropuche and other threats

Dr. Barbosa noted that, although MERCOSUR countries are exiting the dengue transmission season, it is a good opportunity to conduct an evaluation to identify successful strategies and areas that require improvement in preparation for next year. He emphasized the importance of maintaining epidemiological surveillance and carrying out differential diagnosis for Oropuche and other arboviruses, reiterating PAHO’s commitment to providing continuous technical support to the countries.

With the arrival of winter in the southern hemisphere, the PAHO Director urged countries to prepare for the season of respiratory infections, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Mental health: an urgent and priority issue

Dr. Barbosa stressed the importance of mental health as a fundamental component of general well-being. Despite the burden of mental disorders and suicide in the MERCOSUR region, mental health has historically been a neglected and underfunded area, he said. The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation, generating a significant increase in mental health problems and affecting essential services.

In this context, the PAHO Director urged MERCOSUR to take concrete measures to strengthen mental health in the region. He highlighted the approval of Agreement No. 03/23 on International Cooperation for the Health of Mercosur Borders in November 2023 and the creation of an Ad Hoc Health Committee, highlighting its importance for the development of a regional mental health strategy aligned with standards. international.

The Minister of Public Health and Social Security of Paraguay, Dr. María Teresa Barán, participated in the summit in Asunción; the Minister of Health of Argentina, Dr. Mario Russo; the Secretary of Science, Technology, Innovation of the Health Economic-Industrial Complex of Brazil, Dr. Carlos Gadelha; the General Director of Health of the Ministry of Health of Uruguay, Dr. Adriana Alfonso; and the head of Health Planning of the Chilean Ministry of Health, Dr. Tania Herrera.

Dr. Barbosa reiterated his commitment to supporting the MERCOSUR countries in their efforts to strengthen public health and improve the quality of life of their populations.