Barbados strengthens its health system with PAHO support to boost production.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Washington DC, USA, August 7, 2025 – Barbados is advancing its industrial policy to boost local production of medicines and health technologies by enhancing its national regulatory framework. The country, supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is conducting an assisted self-benchmarking exercise using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT), alongside a clinical trials training webinar. A PAHO Medicines and Health Technologies (IMT) team collaborates with Barbados to align regulatory practices with international standards, including reviewing functions like marketing authorization and pharmacovigilance. The GBT identifies strengths and areas for improvement in regulatory functions, supporting the development of institutional roadmaps for strengthening regulatory systems. During the mission, PAHO works with Barbados’ regulators and stakeholders to address clinical trial oversight, emphasizing the roles of ethics committees. A high-level meeting led by Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott discussed next steps to implement the national roadmap and expand access to health technologies. Barbados continues to lead in the Caribbean, prioritizing regulatory excellence and equitable health product access. PAHO remains a key partner, providing long-term support to the Government of Barbados in building resilient health systems. This initiative is part of PAHO’s broader effort to strengthen national regulatory systems, supporting public health priorities in the Region of the Americas. Strong regulatory systems ensure product safety, support local production, and enhance preparedness for health emergencies.

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Second Community Conversation Hosted as Part of Mental Health Reform in Barbados

Barbados hosted its second hybrid community mental health conversation on 30th July 2025 to update the public on the new Mental Health Act. Approximately 70 in-person attendees and 50 online joined the event, which included a young woman sharing her personal journey through primary school and bullying, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lack of support available. The session emphasized the new Bill's amendments, such as including children, parents, and emergency care. The presentation also highlighted services like mental health services at clinics and school programs. A young person from a psychiatric hospital suggested a mental health identification card to assist former patients, while another raised training needs for first responders. They were informed that doctors can help adjust medications if patients have adverse effects. The session also provided information on the patient's role and support, with the hearing impaired receiving interpreters. This event, part of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, offered a forum for sharing views, concerns, and suggestions.

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Second Community Conversation Hosted as Part of Mental Health Reform

Barbados hosted its second hybrid community mental health conversation on 30th July 2025 to familiarize the public with the draft Mental Health Act during the "Mind Yuh Mind" event held at Princess Margaret Secondary School. Approximately 70 in-person attendees and 50 online joined, creating a lively discussion. A young woman shared her personal journey from primary school dealing with learning challenges and bullying, highlighting the emotional toll these experiences had on her mental health and the limited support available. The session set the stage for the Mental Health Commission to outline changes to the Act, including provisions for children's rights, parents' rights, and emergency care. The Commission emphasized the need to include more trained staff, expanded support for non-mental health professionals, and community-based resources. A former patient noted the importance of a mental health identification card for former patients seeking employment, while a first responder's suggestion for training in emergency response was acknowledged. Another participant discussed medication side effects and emphasized the role of healthcare providers in managing these. The session highlighted that the new Bill addresses patient rights and their involvement in care plans, while the Mental Health Tribunal can intervene in abuse cases, and interpreter services for hearing-impaired individuals. This event was part of the Ministry of Health and Wellness' efforts to engage the public in understanding and participating in the mental health reforms.

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Guyana’s Fight Against Lymphatic Filariasis: A Story of Hope, Leadership, and Community

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – 7 AUGUST 2025 - In a brightly lit training room in Georgetown, healthcare workers from Guyana gathered to launch the 2025 Mass Drug Administration (MDA) training, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). This initiative marks a significant step in Guyana’s journey to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, a disease that has burdened communities for nearly two centuries. The campaign, which aims to eliminate five neglected tropical diseases, emphasizes community involvement and health empowerment. With the IDA drug regimen combining Ivermectin, DiethylCarbamazine (DEC), and Albendazole, eight out of ten regions are free of the disease. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) ensures medication compliance and trust-building by involving health workers in the process. Health workers are trained not only to administer drugs but also to educate, dispel myths, and lead by example. This approach fosters confidence in the community, ensuring accessibility to treatment. The campaign's success lies in its focus on dignity, opportunity, and social inclusion, empowering individuals to work, care for their families, and participate fully in society.

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PAHO Director Commends Guyana’s Health Transformation During Visit

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, 6 August 2025 — During his official visit to Guyana from 21–23 July, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), met with national leaders to reaffirm the organization’s commitment to supporting Guyana’s health agenda. He praised Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, for his leadership in transforming the country’s health infrastructure, emphasizing that Anthony’s efforts to eliminate over 30 diseases, including malaria, TB, HIV, hepatitis B, and cervical cancer, are commendable. Barbosa also highlighted PAHO’s regional collaboration, such as an innovative alliance with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank to strengthen primary health care. He encouraged countries to use their existing loans to renovate facilities, train health workers, and improve connectivity. Mental health and suicide prevention were also highlighted as top priorities, with a focus on early detection and reducing stigma. Dr. Barbosa acknowledged the collaborative work of the PAHO/WHO Guyana CO team, which includes international staff, consultants, and national officers, highlighting the organization's longstanding partnership with Guyana since 1956.

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On World Breastfeeding Week, WHO and UNICEF urge governments to invest in breastfeeding support to improve health and development.

Washington, D.C., 6 August 2025 (PAHO/WHO)– As World Breastfeeding Week unfolds under the theme "Prioritize breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems," the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF call on governments and health systems worldwide to invest in breastfeeding support to improve infant health and development. In the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) emphasizes regional efforts to boost breastfeeding rates and protect mothers from commercial pressures. In a joint statement issued on 4 August 2025, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlight that breastfeeding serves as a baby’s first defense against diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia, acting as their "first vaccine." However, only 48% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed globally, far from the 60% target set by the World Health Assembly for 2030. The statement points to gaps in health systems as a key barrier, noting that only one in five countries trains doctors and nurses in infant feeding, leaving many mothers without proper guidance after childbirth. Under-resourced and fragmented health systems often fail to provide consistent breastfeeding support, despite its proven benefits: every dollar invested in breastfeeding yields US$35 in economic returns. PAHO reports that in Latin America and the Caribbean, 52% of newborns are breastfed within the first hour of birth, and 43% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. However, these rates drop to 37% across the broader Americas region and 27% in North America. Only 19 of the 35 countries and territories in the region have adopted legal measures to partially or fully implement the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which protects breastfeeding from commercial influences. To address these challenges, PAHO is supporting countries through initiatives like the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative, which creates supportive environments for breastfeeding in healthcare facilities. The organization also aids in monitoring compliance with the Code and developing national policies to promote optimal infant feeding, aligning with WHO and UNICEF’s Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding and PAHO’s efforts to prevent childhood obesity. The WHO and UNICEF statement calls for action to strengthen health systems by strengthening breastfeeding support as both a health and moral economic imperative.

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PAHO 2024 Country Reports Highlight Regional Health Progress in the Americas

Washington, D.C., August 6, 2025 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released its 2024 country annual reports, highlighting the main results of technical cooperation with governments and strategic partners across the Americas. These reports emphasize concrete outcomes, showcasing inspiring stories from the field and the impact of the Organization's work on each country. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, stated that the reports demonstrate the Organization's commitment to country-specific, impactful, and transformative technical cooperation aimed at addressing health challenges and strengthening health systems. In 2024, key progress was made in eliminating diseases, accelerating NCD care, improving medical supplies access, promoting digital health transformation, and reducing maternal mortality under the Zero Maternal Deaths initiative. These reports, like PAHO’s 2024 Annual Report Advancing Health for Regional Security, illustrate how regional strategies translate into local results. From surveillance to vaccine production, PAHO supports building equitable and resilient health systems that address population health needs and respond to emergencies. The reports are not only an accountability tool but also a call to action to foster collaboration, mobilize resources, and demonstrate the impact of working with governments, multilateral agencies, and civil society. With 27 country offices, two specialized centers, and presence in 35 Member States and four Associate Members, PAHO, founded in 1902, is the world's oldest international public health agency serving as the WHO Regional Office for the Americas since 1949.

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PAHO/WHO partners with Belize in a smoke-free initiative in Latin America

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Belize has been selected as one of four countries to participate in a landmark initiative to promote smoke-free and emission-free Latin America, led by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW). This initiative aims to address the public health challenges of tobacco use and exposure, while reinforcing global commitments to public health and sustainability. Over the course of a week (July 28-31, 2025), in collaboration with the NDACC of the MoHW, a series of activities were held to build capacity, foster collaboration, and support the implementation of tobacco control policies across sectors. Delegates from Belize, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua joined these activities, exploring strategies to create smoke-free spaces, sharing best practices, and discussing challenges and opportunities for tobacco control. Data shared highlighted the importance of smoke-free environments for health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The intersectoral workshop attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including health authorities, ministries, and key sectors, demonstrating the benefits of smoke-free policies. The international workshop brought together delegations from the participating countries, allowing for exchange of experiences and discussions on strengthening laws and policies. The technical cooperation of PAHO/WHO focused on advancing the WHO FCTC, particularly Article 8, which pertains to smoke-free environments. The week-long series of activities concluded with renewed commitment to achieving smoke-free and emission-free environments. Through the implementation of this collaborative initiative, Belize and its regional partners are taking a vital step toward a healthier, cleaner, and tobacco-free future.

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19th meeting of the Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication of the Americas (RCC) celebrated between 26 June and 11 July 2025.

Between 26 June and 11 July 2025, the 19th Meeting of the Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication of the Americas (RCC) was held online, with the objectives of reviewing the polio situation in the Region, discussing and validating 2024 annual reports, providing recommendations for the completion of the Global Action Plan (GAP) III, updating the regional polio outbreak risk assessment, and updating immunization coverage. The review assessed the risk of polio circulation in cases of importation or emergence, with 3 countries at very high risk, 13 at high risk, 11 at medium risk, and 17 at low risk. Regional polio immunization coverage experienced a slight decline from 2023 to 2024, with 89% of IPV1, 84% of IPV2, and 86% of Polio3. Despite this small change, all countries except one have introduced the recommended second IPV dose. Surveillance performance declined from 2023 to 2024, with an AFP rate of 1,38 per 100,000 children, below the target of 1.0 per 100,000. There remain significant risks of missing polio cases due to surveillance gaps at national and subnational levels. As we approach global eradication and certification, adherence to surveillance standards will become increasingly important. In conclusion, Dr. Arlene King, Chair of the RCC, emphasized the critical role of containment in polio eradication, stating that the RCC acknowledges advances in containment but stresses continued efforts to complete the process. Some recommendations were made to countries.

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PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health grows to 4 million users

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has surpassed its course registration limit of 4 million users on its Virtual Campus for Public Health (VCPH) platform, highlighting its role as a vital tool for training health personnel in the Region of the Americas. The Virtual Campus offers free, open-access courses in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French, with participants completing courses, passing evaluations, and responding to the quality survey to receive a certification. Gabriel Listovsky, Head of the Virtual Campus Special Program at PAHO, noted that the platform’s growth reflects the Organization's commitment to building health personnel's capacity, particularly in a context where lifelong learning and equitable access to knowledge are essential for universal health. In recent years, the VCPH has expanded with specific learning pathways integrating courses, seminars, and resources to strengthen public health competencies. There are three pathways available: Regulation of Medicines and Health Technologies, Better Care for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), and Digital Health. Beyond self-managed courses, the PAHO Campus also provides tutor-led activities, communities of practice, and supplementary materials like guides, presentations, and literature. The platform launched a mobile application for offline access. The majority of users are health care workers, with 69% being women, and half working in hospitals while 36% in health centers or primary health care facilities. The Organization emphasizes expanding the Virtual Campus to reach more health workers and students in underserved areas, alongside promoting the responsible use of AI in health education. Visit the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health to explore online educational options.

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PAHO and the Dutch Caribbean – Forward Together

In a significant milestone for regional health cooperation, Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean, has visited all six Dutch Caribbean islands, marking a pivotal step in deepening PAHO/WHO’s technical cooperation and reaffirming its commitment to equitable health development across the region. His visits to Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Aruba highlight the importance of building bridges between PAHO/WHO and each island, emphasizing a shared vision for resilience, equity, and innovation in public health. These visits focus on reviewing the 2025 Biennial Work Plan, exploring multi-country strategies for technical cooperation in Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, and strengthening ties with the Dutch Ministry of Health and Public Health Agency, particularly in mental health, substance use, and climate resilience. The PAHO/WHO TTO team also engaged in high-level discussions with government officials, public health leaders, and healthcare providers in Saba and Sint Eustatius, highlighting the importance of service delivery, referral systems, and infrastructure development. In Aruba, the delegation met with newly elected officials, including The Honorable Dr. Melvin Wyatt-Ras, Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care and Addiction Management, and the Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth Innovation and Sports, focusing on finalizing the Country Cooperation Strategy and discussing mental health in schools, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and health and sports. The visit in Aruba also builds on the October 2024 National Stakeholder Consultation, which brought together government departments, UN agencies, and civil society to shape Aruba’s CCS for 2025–2030. Additionally, Dr. Vivas’ earlier visit to Bonaire in September 2024 laid groundwork for the Dutch Caribbean’s Transition Plan for a “Healthy Bonaire,” focusing on healthy life, healthy living environment, and health protection.

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Bahamas strengthens mental health for children with type 1 diabetes through advocacy sessions

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

July 25, 2025, Nassau, The Bahamas - The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Country Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands strengthened collaboration with the Bahamas Diabetes Association (BDA) through focused engagement on mental health. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Dr. Anton Best, a PAHO/WHO Advisor, delivered a presentation on "Mental Health and Wellbeing in Children with Type 1 Diabetes" at a general meeting held at Sybil Strachan Primary School. Dr. Best emphasized the intersection between chronic disease and emotional wellbeing in young persons, drawing from recent results of the 2025 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), which noted growing public health concerns in The Bahamas regarding mental health, particularly among youth. The session highlighted psychological burdens such as anxiety, social isolation, and diabetes-related distress. Dr. Best advocated for early mental health promotion through positive coping strategies, including physical activity, peer support, creative expression, and mindfulness. The presentation was well-received by families and association members, sparking discussions on how to support children navigating the demands of diabetes. Dr. Boisson, the PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, commended the BDA for its ongoing initiatives, such as the summer camp, and reaffirmed PAHO’s commitment to advancing child health and mental wellbeing through technical cooperation.

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Trinidad and Tobago's leaders are leading the way to eliminate lopsoy

The Ministry of Health, the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (T&TMA), and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Trinidad and Tobago Country Office (PAHO/WHO TTO) have successfully concluded the national Hansen’s Disease Continuing Medical Education seminar series in Trinidad and Tobago on May 13, 2025. This initiative aims to strengthen clinical capacity for diagnosing and managing Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) across the country. Over 118 health care practitioners from both public and private sectors were trained in the series, conducted in five regions. The format was interactive, involving smaller group sizes, local case studies, and real-time audience engagement through a digital app. This approach made the sessions both practical and impactful, building on the longstanding work of the Hansen’s Disease Control Unit at the Ministry of Health. Participant feedback was positive, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn a disease they had never encountered firsthand. Dr. Mushtaq Ali Saiyed, the technical lead for the series, emphasized the effectiveness of the training model in boosting clinical competence. Learning assessments revealed a remarkable improvement in knowledge, with post-lecture scores averaging 92%. The closing ceremony featured a keynote address by The Honourable Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, who highlighted the collaboration with PAHO/WHO, which has contributed to effective disease management across all levels of care. This initiative is part of the PAHO Elimination Initiative, aiming to eliminate selected communicable diseases by 2030. With enhanced clinical vigilance, the country is well-positioned to meet its elimination target.

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Brazil and PAHO host strategic meeting to strengthen regional health security and reduce global dependency

Sao Paulo, Brazil, 29 July 2025 (PAHO) – In a bid to boost regional health security and reduce dependence on global supply chains, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Brazil’s Ministry of Health hosted a strategic workshop in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 25 July 2025. The event, facilitated by the Sao Paulo Federation of Industries (FIESP), aimed to expand the availability of essential medicines, vaccines, and other critical health technologies in the Americas. The meeting highlighted PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, which pool procurement to ensure countries across the region have access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies at affordable prices. These funds enable countries to achieve cost savings, saving approximately 50% on vaccines and public health supplies. The initiative has benefited around 180 million people in the region in the last two years, demonstrating its impact. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that this partnership will further encourage producers to participate in PAHO’s Revolving Funds and inspire other countries to join the effort. The launch of Brazil’s first RNA Competence Center, led by the Ministry of Health and Embrapii, marks a new initiative to advance messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technologies, which are critical for pandemic preparedness and rapid vaccine development. This initiative reflects PAHO’s broader strategy to foster regional manufacturing and innovation in health technologies.

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PAHO Director Urges Health Equity in Climate Action in the Americas at Global Conference in Brazil

Dr. Barbosa urged countries to prioritize health and equity in climate policy, emphasizing that vulnerable populations bear the brunt of climate impacts. As the Americas face record heat, disease outbreaks, and climate events, Dr. Barbosa called for urgent action to integrate health into climate agendas. During the opening of the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health, held in Brasilia, he highlighted the region's challenges, including heatwaves, wildfires, floods, droughts, and hurricanes. He noted that climate change has already devastated regions, with 2024 being the warmest year in the region since 1900, causing heatwaves to be the most deadly climate hazard. He also described the region's suffering, such as 70,000 affected people from wildfires, 5 million impacted by floods, and 1.2 million affected by droughts and malnutrition. Meanwhile, climate-sensitive diseases surged, with dengue cases reaching 13 million and 7,700 deaths. Dr. Barbosa praised the Belém Health Action Plan's approach, which emphasizes health equity, intersectoral collaboration, and social participation.

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WHO urges action on hepatitis, declaring D as carcinogenic

Monday, July 28, 2025

Geneva, 28 July 2025 (WHO) – As we mark World Hepatitis Day, WHO highlights the urgent need to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and reduce liver cancer deaths. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that every 30 seconds, someone dies from hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer, underscoring the critical need for rapid action. Viral hepatitis, including types A, B, C, D, and E, are significant causes of acute liver infections. Among these, hepatitis B, C, and D lead to chronic infections, increasing the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. However, many infected individuals do not recognize their condition. Hepatitis D, which only affects those infected with hepatitis B, has a two to six-fold higher risk of liver cancer compared to hepatitis B alone. The IARC classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans, marking a crucial step in awareness, screening, and treatment efforts. Dr. Meg Doherty noted WHO’s 2024 guidelines on testing and diagnosis for Hepatitis B and D and their ongoing efforts to monitor clinical outcomes. Treatment options for hepatitis C are improving, but full benefits from reducing liver cirrhosis and cancer deaths require urgent scaling up of hepatitis services, including vaccination, testing, harm reduction, and treatment. The Global Hepatitis Report highlights that while LMICs have strategic plans, integration of hepatitis services remains uneven: 80 countries incorporate hepatitis services into primary health care, 128 into HIV programs, but just 27 integrate hepatitis C services into harm reduction centers.

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Brazil and PAHO host strategic meeting to strengthen regional supply of medicines, vaccines, and health technologies

Sao Paulo, Brazil, 28 July 2025 (PAHO) – In a bid to bolster regional health security and curb reliance on global supply chains, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Brazil’s Ministry of Health convened a strategic workshop in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Hosted in collaboration with the Sao Paulo Federation of Industries (FIESP), the event aimed to expand the availability of essential medicines, vaccines, and critical health technologies in the Americas. The meeting emphasized PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, which pool procurement to ensure countries across the region have access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies at affordable prices. Held on 25 July, the workshop also sought to promote the expansion of strategic health products and strengthen regional production capacity. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa highlighted that this partnership will enable more producers to participate in PAHO’s Revolving Funds and inspire other countries to join. The event launched Brazil’s first RNA Competence Center, a initiative led by the Ministry of Health and Embrapii, focusing on advancing mRNA vaccine technologies. This initiative reflects PAHO’s broader strategy to advance regional manufacturing and foster innovation in health technologies. The Regional Revolving Funds, which enable countries to access quality vaccines and public health supplies at affordable prices, have already benefited approximately 180 million people in the region. They have played a key role in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as improving immunization coverage and maternal child mortality.

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PAHO/WHO convenes journalists to reshape road safety reporting in Latin America

In 2025, journalists from various countries in the Americas participated in a regional workshop on solutions journalism and road safety in Natal, Brazil. Organized by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the event supported the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. The workshop aimed to transform how traffic incidents are reported, framing them as real, evidence-based solutions rather than tragedies. Traffic deaths in the Americas cause over 145,000 annual deaths and 4.1 million non-fatal injuries, with significant consequences for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Around the world, countries aim to halve road fatalities by 2030, reducing the current road mortality rate from 14.09 to 6.73 per 100,000 people. Ricardo Pérez Núñez emphasized that each death has 28 injured individuals, highlighting the need for safer, sustainable, inclusive, and equitable transport systems. PAHO/WHO views journalist training as a key pillar for driving road safety progress. The workshop addressed key challenges, promoting a systems-based approach, focusing on individual responsibility toward infrastructure and policies. Solutions included compact urban design, safe public transport, and active mobility. Victor Pavarino noted that traffic injuries are preventable, with a focus on systemic changes rather than just fixing the issue. Matthew Taylor stressed the importance of language in media, highlighting the need to link crashes to broader failures. He also introduced principles of solutions journalism, emphasizing evidence-based reporting on how societies address challenges, not just what went wrong. The event featured a site visit to Natal's new binary traffic system, which reduces risks and improves circulation, and included discussions from journalists and crash victim families.

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Eastern Caribbean countries strengthen critical care preparedness for future respiratory pandemics

Friday, July 25, 2025

Bridgetown, Barbados, July 25, 2025 (PAHO) – A two-day technical workshop in Barbados was held to enhance the preparedness of the health sector in the Eastern Caribbean for respiratory pandemics, led by experts from the Clinical Management Group of SARInet Plus, alongside national counterparts. The event, technically led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) ECC, IHM, and IHR, focused on strengthening lifesaving care during health emergencies while ensuring service continuity. Participants from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines shared country experiences, identified key gaps in critical care, and set priorities for training initiatives. Sessions included country briefings on challenges, thematic discussions, and a visit to Ross University to explore simulation facilities. Key areas included strengthening surge planning, improving protocols for severe respiratory infections, and reinforcing infection prevention and control. This workshop supports the Pandemic Fund project "Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean," a collaboration between PAHO, FAO, and the World Bank. It contributes to building international health regulations and human resources, especially in service delivery and infection control. The initiative fosters interprofessional collaboration and aligns regional priorities to promote resilient, responsive, and integrated health systems across the Eastern Caribbean.

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PAHO and Resolve to Save Lives strengthen partnership to bolster epidemic preparedness across the Americas

Washington, D.C., 25 July 2025 — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Resolve to Save Lives have renewed their commitment to enhancing epidemic preparedness and response capacities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. This strengthened collaboration follows the recent signing of a comprehensive Framework Agreement between the two organizations. The newly established Framework Agreement creates a regional partnership dedicated to implementing and institutionalizing the Early Action Review (EAR) methodology using the globally recognized 7-1-7 target. These metrics are crucial for evaluating the timeliness of outbreak detection and response. “7-1-7” represents the first real-time, end-to-end assessment of a country’s speed in detecting and containing infectious disease threats. It establishes clear objectives: detection within seven days, notification within one day, and response within seven days. The simplicity, focus, and clarity of these metrics have led to their inclusion in the Pandemic Fund’s results framework and their increasing adoption worldwide. In May 2025, PAHO signed an MoU with Resolve to Save Lives and this renewed commitment was recently highlighted during the visit of Ms. Amanda McClelland, Senior Vice President for the Prevent Epidemics program at Resolve to Save Lives, to PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C. During her visit, Ms. McClelland met with Dr. Ciro Ugarte, Director of PAHO’s Health Emergencies Department, to strategically plan the implementation of the agreement and explore avenues for deeper collaboration. Through this partnership, PAHO will spearhead the implementation of regional initiatives, offer technical support to countries, and develop training materials on the implementation of the 7-1-7 methodology. The Organization will also promote the integration of detection, notification, and response metrics as key quality performance indicators for national early warning surveillance systems, reporting progress to its Member States through PAHO’s Governing Bodies. Resolve to Save Lives will contribute technical expertise and provide a comprehensive tool kit containing training materials, tools, and guidelines for the adoption of the 7-1-7 methodology. Resolve to Save Lives will additionally participate in regional capacity-building efforts, support data analysis to identify gaps in outbreak response, and engage in advocacy and stakeholder coordination. This partnership reflects a shared vision for a region better equipped to respond to health emergencies, where countries can act quickly, decisively, and collaboratively to save lives. By embedding the 7-1-7 metrics into national systems and fostering a culture of early action, PAHO and Resolve to Save Lives are actively contributing to building a safer, healthier future for all.

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