PAHO Cooperation Priorities in the Region

Inequalities in access to healthcare and living conditions are critical issues affecting Mexico and Latin America, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Under these circumstances, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has outlined key cooperation priorities to address public health challenges, explains José Moya, Representative in Mexico, PAHO/WHO. 

“After navigating the pandemic and emerging diseases, we are now preparing for future scenarios. Public health is crucial, and we are strengthening our system to ensure ongoing monitoring across the continent,” says Moya. 

PAHO’s priorities focus on climate change, demographic shifts, the health of migrant populations, antimicrobial resistance, the ongoing risk of epidemics and pandemics, and inequalities in living and health conditions, explains José Moya, Representative in Mexico, PAHO/WHO.

Moya highlights that climate change has a profound impact on health outcomes. Recent climate-related incidents in the Americas underscore the urgency of addressing air pollution, which remains a leading environmental risk to public health.

The region must also remain vigilant against the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. The organization aims to eliminate 30 diseases and conditions in the region, including cervical cancer and congenital Chagas disease, while continuing to address ongoing public health emergencies.

Moreover, demographic changes, particularly the country’s aging population, require new approaches to healthcare. The aging index, which compares the population over 60 to those under 15, reflects the growing need for healthy aging strategies, says Moya. 

PAHO also highlights the need to provide healthcare to migrant populations, with over 272 million international migrants globally. Key strategies include strengthening health surveillance, improving access to healthcare for both migrants and host populations, and fighting xenophobia.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) also poses a significant threat to global health, as it has the potential to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Infections like tuberculosis and diseases impacted by AMR, such as HIV and malaria, are becoming harder to treat, further straining healthcare systems. 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes also remain prevalent, exacerbated by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors like air pollution. “Addressing the social and economic factors that hinder proper nutrition requires more than just the involvement of health departments,” says Moya,

PAHO also stresses the need for new approaches to mental health, particularly as depression and other conditions are taking a heavy toll in public health strategies. “One positive outcome of the pandemic is that we now discuss mental health with greater openness,” says Moya,

Through technical cooperation with its member countries, PAHO has worked to combat both communicable and noncommunicable diseases while responding to various public health emergencies and natural disasters. This ongoing effort has helped bolster the region’s resilience and capacity to handle health crises, all while working toward its broader goal of improving overall population health.

PAHO’s approach is rooted in an explicit commitment to equity, with the guiding principle of “leaving no one behind.” To make this vision a reality, PAHO promotes collaboration between countries and various stakeholders. The organization works closely with ministries of health, government agencies, civil society, universities, and international organizations. These partnerships are critical to advancing PAHO’s goals and fostering more comprehensive, efficient health systems throughout the region.