Washington, D.C., October 7-9, 2024 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) convened experts from across the Region of the Americas to to advance its strategic approach to integrated health care during the first two decades of life. The three-day meeting, held in Washington, DC, focused on strengthening health systems by prioritizing person-centered care for children and adolescents. The event underscored the importance of comprehensive, health strategies to foster well-being from birth through adolescence, highlighting the new Spanish edition of the "Pocketbook of Primary Health Care for Children and Adolescents" as an essential resource to aid in this mission.
Building on the 2018-2030 Action Plan for Women, Children, and Adolescents, the event brought together key stakeholders, including PAHO representatives, WHO officials, and health experts from multiple countries, discussed strategies for implementing the Spanish version of the Pocketbook, translated by PAHO, as a resource for health professionals across the region. Originally developed by WHO Europe, the Pocketbook provides evidence-based clinical guidelines designed to support the holistic well-being of children and adolescents, serving as a practical tool for primary health care providers.
Dr. James Fitzgerald, Director of Health Systems and Services, underscored the importance of primary health care (PHC) as a pillar of health systems in the Americas, noting that the Pocketbook aligns with the region’s commitment to universal access to health and universal health coverage.
Dr. Enrique Vega, Life Course Unit Chief, emphasized the Pocket Book’s role in operationalizing a life-course approach, which considers the evolving health needs at each life stage. This integrated care strategy addresses critical health issues such as neonatal and maternal health, adolescent care, and chronic conditions, and includes risk management, health promotion, and disease prevention across age groups.
Throughout the sessions, participants discussed adapting the Pocket Book to the unique healthcare needs of the Americas. Proposed adaptations include tailoring guidelines for diseases prevalent in the region, like dengue and Chagas disease, and incorporating language to support gender diversity. Experts also outlined plans for digital adaptation, and shared that the Pocketbook mobile app was launched by WHO in April 2024, which provides healthcare professionals with accessible clinical tools.
The integration of digital learning was another topic discussed with PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health at the center in training health professionals. The Virtual Campus has the opportunity to host resources to ensure that all healthcare providers—from physicians to community health workers—receive continuous education on using the Pocket Book effectively.
As part of its broader commitment to sustainable healthcare, PAHO is collaborating with regional and international organizations, including WHO Europe, UNICEF, and USAID, to establish strategic partnerships. This consortium will aid in mobilizing resources, fostering inter-sectoral collaborations, and ensuring the Pocketbook’s long-term impact.
Additionally, a potential initiative to create a similar Pocketbook for an older population is under consideration, leveraging the life-course approach to provide comprehensive, age-specific care.
The meeting concluded with commitments to ensure that healthcare providers in the Americas can access, implement, and benefit from the Pocketbook. This initiative reinforces PAHO’s dedication to empowering health systems across the Americas to address the unique needs of children and adolescents, creating a foundation for healthier communities and advancing the goals of UHC.
The Pocketbook is currently available in English, Russian and Ukrainian and is currently being translated into Spanish. The Pocketbook Application is available for download on the Apple Store and on Google Play in English.
