Webinar: PAHO’s initiative for the elimination of communicable diseases

Advancing the Agenda Achievements and Future Directions
 

 Context

The Elimination Initiative is a strategic effort led by the Pan American Health Organization and countries in the Americas to eliminate over 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030 through a comprehensive and integrated approach. Unlike single-disease elimination programs, it addresses multiple diseases simultaneously, optimizing resources and efforts by reinforcing key cross-cutting elements such as strengthening health systems and integrated health services, reinforcing surveillance and information systems, addressing social and environmental determinants of health, and reinforcing governance, stewardship, and finance. The initiative prioritizes sustainability, focusing not only on achieving elimination targets but also on maintaining them by engaging communities and ensuring local ownership.

The initiative emphasizes equity and access, aiming for universal health and integrating services to reach the most vulnerable populations. It leverages data-driven decision-making, innovative tools, and multi-sectoral collaboration, involving governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. By fostering regional cooperation and sharing best practices, the Elimination Initiative aims to create a robust, sustainable framework for the elimination of communicable diseases across the Americas.

The Americas have a track record in eliminating communicable diseases in recent decades. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, followed by the regional elimination of polio in 1994. Within the past decade, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and neonatal tetanus have also been eliminated from the Region. By mid-2024, 19 countries were malaria-free, 11 had eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis, four eliminated onchocerciasis, four eliminated foot-and-mouth disease, three eliminated lymphatic filariasis, one eliminated trachoma, and one eliminated human rabies transmitted by dogs. Additionally, progress has been made toward eliminating leprosy, Chagas disease, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, and hepatitis B.

Objectives

The objective of this webinar is to disseminate knowledge and best practices related to PAHO's Initiative to eliminate communicable diseases in the Region of the Americas.

Target Audience

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  National and subnational health authorities and other policymakers 

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  Health Professionals 

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  Public Health Practitioners

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  Academics and Researchers

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  Non-Governmental Organizations

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  Communication specialists

Date and time: 31 July 2024; 9:30 am to 11:10 am Eastern Time (ET)

Platform: Zoom Webinar with simultaneous interpretation in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French as well as sign interpretation.

Recording

Agenda