Policy on Preventing Sexual Exploitation & Abuse

Objective of Policy: As an international public health agency, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is focused on improving the health of the people of the Americas. In carrying out the Organization’s work, PAHO personnel have frequent interactions with people in the communities we serve, including during immunization campaigns, efforts to help contain disease outbreaks, and when providing emergency humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. Civilians in these situations are often vulnerable, and PAHO personnel must always adhere to the highest professional standards and never take advantage of anyone for personal gain or satisfaction, including exchanging goods or services for sexual purposes.