PAHO and Pro Mujer sign agreement to improve women’s health in Latin America and the Caribbean – PAHO/WHO
New York, September 26, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Pro Mujer today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement joint actions to improve the health conditions of women in vulnerable situations in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a specific focus on interculturality and ethnicity.
This collaboration seeks to strengthen local capacities and ensure equitable access to health services, especially in areas such as maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, and cervical and breast cancer prevention.
“There are multiple factors that influence women’s health, including socioeconomic, cultural, educational and environmental aspects,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. “The health sector must act as an agent of change, and this alliance with Pro Mujer is crucial to address the challenges that women still face in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Through the agreement, the organizations will work together to develop educational activities that allow women to make informed decisions about their health. They will also collaborate in data collection to identify gaps in access to health services and organize training sessions for health personnel and community promoters.
“This collaboration with PAHO is an essential step to address health inequalities that affect the most vulnerable women in the region. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure that all women, regardless of their background or economic conditions, can access the health services they need,” said Carmen Correa, executive director of Pro Mujer.
This partnership reinforces the commitment of both organizations to improve the living conditions of women in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring that a focus on equity and the right to health is at the center of all joint initiatives.
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. PAHO acts as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System.
About Pro Mujer
Pro Mujer is a non-profit social enterprise that has been providing services and tools to women in Latin America for more than 34 years so they can reach their full potential, improve their living conditions and become agents of change in their communities. It operates through a holistic and comprehensive model that seeks to expand women’s access to health services in the region, increase their financial inclusion and provide them with training opportunities. Visit Pro Women for more information.
