PAHO, CDRI Partner to Strengthen Health Infrastructure

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), aiming to enhance the resilience of health systems to climate change and natural disasters in the Americas.

The agreement was signed by Jarbas Barbosa, Director, PAHO and Amit Prothi, Director General, CDRI. It establishes a framework for collaboration focused on capacity building, technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and advocacy for health infrastructure policies designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions.

“This agreement strengthens our joint efforts to promote health systems that can endure climate-related shocks,” says Barbosa. He references lessons from PAHO’s Smart Hospitals Initiative, which has aimed to improve the functionality and resilience of healthcare facilities across the region. “Together, we will advance climate-smart, disaster-resilient health infrastructure across the Americas.”

Health infrastructure is critical to remain operational during crises. “PAHO’s experience in long-term planning for health facilities is essential, particularly because these are capital-intensive investments with extended life cycles,” says Prothi.

Under the partnership, PAHO and CDRI will support countries by offering training, technical guidance, and co-developing tools and publications to inform infrastructure development and preparedness. The work will target improved hospital safety and continuity of services during emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and heatwaves, events that are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change.

The collaboration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities, and accessible healthcare. Both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening systems that protect public health before, during, and after disasters.