El Salvador and Costa Rica issue the first digital yellow fever vaccination certificates with support from the IDB and PAHO – PAHO/WHO

Washington, DC, November 21, 2025 – El Salvador and Costa Rica made the Americas the first region in the world to issue digital yellow fever vaccination certificates in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Global Digital Health Certification Network.

This achievement marks a milestone for the region and reflects its leadership in the adoption of digital innovations in public health. However, while the WHO completes the consultation processes for the implementation of digital certificates, the international paper certificate continues to be required for travelers entering certain countries, ensuring the continuity and security of international travel.

Both countries achieved this progress thanks to their commitment to the digital transformation of health and the efforts being made in the region with the Pan American Digital Health Roadmap, an initiative promoted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Through programs like national and regional connections and technical support Latin American and Caribbean Network for Digital Health (RACSEL), each country has been able to strengthen its capacity to issue digital vaccination certificates in accordance with international standards.

Javier Guzmán, Head of the IDB’s Health, Nutrition and Population Division, said: «This progress shows how regional cooperation and digital infrastructure can transform the way people access health services. At the IDB, we will continue to support countries so that secure, internationally recognized certificates become a reality across the region.»

Yellow fever certificates (and polio certificates in some countries) are the only health documents internationally recognized as an entry requirement under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). The 2024 amendments, which came into force last September, introduced for the first time the possibility of issuing them in digital or paper format, guaranteeing authenticity, data protection and international validity.

Marcelo D’Agostino, head of Information Systems and Digital Health at PAHO, highlighted that “strengthening the digital health infrastructure will allow people to travel throughout the region in the future without the need to duplicate vaccines or procedures, which represents a step towards more equitable and efficient health care throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Digital certificates also contribute to global public health security by allowing governments to obtain quality information in real time, optimize resources and avoid unnecessary costs by avoiding duplication in the administration of vaccines, as well as reducing irregular practices such as the creation of informal markets for health certificates that put public health at risk.

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, but it can be prevented with a single dose of vaccine that offers lifelong protection. In Latin America, as of early November 2025, 295 human cases and 122 deaths have been recorded in six countries.

The Pan American Highway for Digital Health (PH4H)

This achievement reflects the spirit of regional cooperation of PH4H, a joint initiative of the IDB, PAHO and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to build more connected, safe, reliable and resilient health systems in all countries in the region.

Within the Global Digital Health Certification Network, the PH4H initiative established a trust domain to allow member countries to mutually recognize and validate digital health certificates issued in accordance with international standards. El Salvador and Costa Rica are setting the standard for the entire continent and inspiring and motivating other countries to continue moving towards more connected, safe and accessible healthcare systems.

The IDB and PAHO recognized the achievements of El Salvador and Costa Rica during the event Pan American Highway for Digital Health: Driving innovation and connection in the Americasrecently held in San Salvador, El Salvador, with the participation of 26 countries from the Americas. During the meeting, twelve countries formally joined the PH4H domain of the Global Digital Health Certification Network, expanding regional cooperation in digital health.

The Pan American Highway for Digital Health is supported by the Government of Japan.

About the IDB

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, aims to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region’s public sector to design and facilitate innovative solutions that generate impact for sustainable and inclusive development. Through financing, technical expertise and knowledge, the IDB promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org

About PAHO

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their population. Founded in 1902, it is the oldest international public health agency in the world. It functions as the Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system (OAS). Visit www.paho.org