Washington, DC, October 4, 2024 (PAHO) – The 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) concluded today, setting a clear path forward for the future of health in the Americas. Over five days, high-level representatives from countries and territories discussed, agreed and committed to addressing key challenges affecting health and development in the region.
In his closing remarks, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa highlighted that 46 agenda items were discussed, five final reports and three progress reports were reviewed, and 14 resolutions were approved. “During this week, vital resolutions have been debated and approved” ranging from a policy on climate change and health to a strategy to strengthen health systems, emphasized Dr. Barbosa.
Other resolutions approved include strategies and plans to address critical issues such as sepsis, and actions to strengthen control of tobacco, a harmful product whose industry currently targets young people through electronic cigarettes.
Also approved were a plan to strengthen health information systems, a strategy to improve surgical care and intensive and emergency care, a policy to address the growing demand for long-term care, and a strategy on epidemiological intelligence to help countries to detect threats early. , contain outbreaks and save lives.
Delegates also approved incentives to increase regional production of vaccines, medicines and other essential technologies through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, in order to address the region’s high dependence on the importation of these products, a weakness that was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. and that the Organization seeks to reverse.
In addition, a roadmap was presented for the development of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, which will set the course of technical cooperation in health for the next period.
Cervical cancer, telehealth and disease elimination
Health authorities participated in information sessions on key topics such as the elimination of cervical cancer, where tools such as HPV tests and vaccines and ablation treatment were discussed, which can save the lives of more than 40,000 women a year in the Americas.
Also addressed was telehealth, which promises to close gaps in access to health care and promote health equity. “PAHO has developed telemedicine kits to help Member States implement and expand their telemedicine systems as a way to strengthen primary health care,” said the PAHO Director.
The PAHO Elimination Initiative was another central theme, highlighting equitable access to innovative solutions and advanced technologies to accelerate progress and end more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030. Brazil received a certificate from the World Health Organization Health (WHO) for having eliminated lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) as a public health problem. Three other countries in the Americas are endemic and are working to achieve that goal.
In the context of the future pandemic agreement, key articles and their implications at global and regional levels were discussed. A session was also held on the WHO investment round, where it was recognized that the contributions of the countries of the Americas are crucial for the sustainability of the organization.
Haitian doctor Jean-Patrick Alfred was honored for his leadership in developing critical policy initiatives, particularly Haiti’s 2012-2022 health plan, whose primary care approach has helped strengthen the health system and make it more resilient and focused on people.
Closing the meeting, Dr. Barbosa called on all participants to reaffirm their commitment to the values of equity, excellence, solidarity, respect and integrity. «We all agree that, while we continue to build on our collective successes, there is still much to be done to address persistent challenges,» he concluded.
