PAHO Calls for Stronger Regional Health Security at APHA 2025

Strategic Insights -

As the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA) kicked off in the U.S. capital, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and prioritizing public health in national priorities. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that "health security starts when each country across the region prioritizes its public's health and works together to prevent disease, strengthen resilient health systems, and build a viable health workforce." Dr. Barbosa also highlighted the importance of health in relation to security, economic stability, and social resilience, citing the example of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, where global GDP shrank by 3.5%.

Key Takeaways:

  • PAHO is calling for stronger regional health security at the 2025 annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA).
  • Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, emphasized that health security starts when each country prioritizes its public's health and works together to prevent disease and strengthen health systems.
  • PAHO was created in 1902 as the International Sanitary Bureau, and has a tradition of Pan-American cooperation, with 35 Member States, 3 Participating States, and 4 Associate States.
  • PAHO will participate in multiple technical sessions at APHA 2025, including topics such as antimicrobial resistance, disease elimination, and digital transformation in health.
  • PAHO has a decade-long collaboration with APHA, working together on National Public Health Week, World Health Day, and other initiatives.
  • Dr. Barbosa emphasized the importance of learning, adapting, and advancing together to achieve true health security.

Statistics:

  • Global GDP shrank by 3.5% during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
  • PAHO has 35 Member States, 3 Participating States, and 4 Associate States.
  • APHA 2025 will feature multiple technical sessions, including sessions on antimicrobial resistance, disease elimination, and digital transformation in health.
  • PAHO has worked with APHA on National Public Health Week, World Health Day, and other initiatives since 2014.

Sources:

  • PAHO (2025) PAHO calls for stronger regional health security at the 2025 annual meeting of the American Public Health Association. https://www.paho.org/en/news/2-11-2025-paho-calls-stronger-regional-health-security-2025-annual-meeting-american-public