WASHINGTON, USA – The 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has successfully concluded, setting a decisive agenda for the future of health across the Americas. Over a span of five days, high-ranking officials from various countries and territories engaged in critical discussions and pledged to tackle major health and development challenges facing the region.
In his closing address, PAHO director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the significance of the 46 agenda items discussed, which culminated in the approval of 14 pivotal resolutions. Resolutions ranged from a comprehensive policy addressing climate change and health to a strategic plan for strengthening health systems.
Key resolutions approved include targeted strategies dealing with pressing issues like sepsis and robust actions to enhance tobacco control, particularly as the industry increasingly targets youth through electronic cigarettes.
A significant plan was also ratified to bolster health information systems, alongside initiatives aimed at improving surgical care and intensive emergency services. Strategies to meet the rising demand for long-term care and enhance epidemiological intelligence were also key outcomes, enabling countries to better detect threats, contain outbreaks, and preserve lives.
Additionally, delegates endorsed incentives aimed at boosting regional production of vaccines, medicines, and vital technologies through PAHO’s regional revolving funds. This initiative aims to reduce the Americas’ longstanding dependence on imports, a vulnerability spotlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A roadmap has been established for the Strategic Plan 2026-2031, which will guide technical cooperation in health for the upcoming years.
Cervical cancer, telehealth, and disease elimination
Key discussions also centered on the elimination of cervical cancer, examining the critical roles of HPV testing, vaccines, and ablation treatment, which have the potential to save over 40,000 women a year in the Americas.
The topic of telehealth was prominently featured, as it offers a pathway to close gaps in healthcare access and promote health equity. Dr. Barbosa noted that PAHO has developed telemedicine kits to assist member states in implementing and expanding their telehealth services, thereby reinforcing primary health care.
The PAHO elimination initiative was highlighted, focusing on ensuring equitable access to innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies, aiming to eradicate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030. Brazil was recognized with a certificate from the World Health Organization (WHO) for successfully eliminating lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) as a public health concern, joining three other endemic countries in the Americas on their path toward eradication.
In discussions surrounding the future pandemic agreement, essential articles and their global and regional implications were evaluated. A session on WHO’s investment initiative also acknowledged the contributions from countries in the Americas as pivotal for the organization’s sustainability.
Recognition was given to Haitian doctor Jean-Patrick Alfred for his outstanding leadership in advancing critical health policy initiatives, particularly the 2012-2022 health plan which has significantly strengthened Haiti’s healthcare system.
Concluding the meeting, Dr. Barbosa urged all participants to recommit to the core values of equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity. He noted, “While we continue to build upon our collective achievements, much work remains to overcome the ongoing challenges we face in health.”
