The Americas to Address Critical Health Problems

Health Ministers of all the countries of the Americas are seeking new policies to address the critical health problems in the region.

The ministers are in Washington DC for their annual meeting of the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization, or PAHO.

Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), reminded problems still remain in some parts of the region.

"Warnings were issued and heeded, and governments did a commendable job of moving populations out of harm's way. Still, life is not back to normal for many millions of people. In some areas, including parts of Cuba, medical facilities were extensively damaged, further delaying a return to routine health care. "

Director of PAHO, Mirta Roses said that solidarity also implied a determined fight against inequity and poverty and their "insidious effects on public health".

"We are seeing progress in social protection and equitable access to quality health services, for example, in proposals to advance toward the elimination of neglected diseases and in the strong backing for primary health care strategies, among other initiatives, in addition to support for priority countries, with particular emphasis on collaborative efforts for health in Haiti."

Discussions would be focused on neonatal health, adolescent and youth health, climate change and its impact on public health.

The Pan American Health Organization, founded in 1902, works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of their peoples. It serves as the Regional Office of the World Health Organization.