PAHO hosts Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas to strengthen health systems and economic resilience in the region – PAHO/WHO

Washington, DC, October 24, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today convened the Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas (EHA), which brings together leaders from the health and finance sectors to address the challenges that countries face. in the post-pandemic era.

“The recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how deeply interconnected our health systems and economies are,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, during his opening remarks. «The EHA provides us with a valuable platform to explore the intersections between sectors, and the discussions we are having today will help shape the development of stronger, more resilient health systems and economies,» he added.

The EHA is a country-driven multilateral initiative that supports countries in coordinating efforts and political commitment to increase health system resilience and improve pandemic preparedness. Leverages best practices in public sector governance, with special attention to the intersection of economic and health policies. The United States and the Dominican Republic currently serve as co-chairs.

Earlier this week, PAHO, in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), launched a policy report titled “The urgency of investing in health systems in Latin America and the Caribbean to reduce inequality.” and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” This report highlights the dual impact of the pandemic on health systems and economies, emphasizing the urgent need for investment to recover lost gains in public health and promote greater equity in access to health care.

During his speech, Dr. Barbosa highlighted the importance of today’s dialogue in preparation for the next Summit of the Americas in 2025, which aims to advance shared goals to improve health outcomes and promote sustainable development.

«I would like to express special thanks to our Ministries of Health and Finance for their support of technical work programs related to health governance and reform, social protection, health financing and access to medicines and technologies essential health services. Together, we can guarantee that health remains at the center of the region’s economic recovery and development strategies,» said the PAHO Director.

Among the participants were José Fernández, Undersecretary of Economic Growth, Energy and Environment of the United States Department of State; John N. Nkengasong, US Global Aid Coordinator and Senior Office of Health Security and Global Diplomacy; Víctor Ito Bisonó, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of the Dominican Republic; Cristian Espinosa, Ambassador of Ecuador to the United States; Mary Lou Valdez, PAHO Deputy Director; and Pablo Ibarrarán, Head of the Social Protection and Health Division of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

In closing, Dr. Barbosa encouraged all participants to take advantage of this forum to build stronger partnerships and work towards innovative solutions that benefit the people of the Americas.

The Americas Health and Economic Dialogue was launched by the United States Department of State in June 2022 during the IX Summit of the Americas. The EHA consists of a series of sectoral meetings designed to foster political will and commitments to strengthen public health systems and protect the region’s economies. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), PAHO and the Organization of American States (OAS) make up the EHA Executive Technical Working Group.