New York City, New York, September 19, 2023 —The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and CAF - development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean - today signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of implementing joint actions aimed at strengthening health systems in the region, and thus advancing progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"This agreement represents the consolidation of an important collaboration between PAHO and CAF aimed at advancing the achievement of the SDGs in the Americas, particularly in critical areas such as climate change and food security," Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director said, during the signing of the memorandum, held in the framework of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York.
It is expected that the collaboration between the two organizations will result in a joint effort to significantly improve health infrastructure in the region, with a focus on creating resilient and sustainable healthcare systems. This will make it possible to adequately address future health emergencies.
"At CAF we work to promote regional integration and the sustainable development of our shareholder countries. Through joint action with PAHO we seek to strengthen health systems, promote nutritional food security and comprehensive early childhood care throughout Latin America and the Caribbean," Christian Asinelli, CAF's corporate vice president of strategic programming said.
The joint collaboration also aims to boost and consolidate health information systems and the digital transformation of the health sector, while promoting initiatives related to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). It will also seek to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and the capacity to respond to epidemics, pandemics and health crises.
About PAHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. PAHO serves as the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System.
About CAF
The mission of CAF, development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, is to promote sustainable development and regional integration through the financing of projects in the public and private sectors, the provision of technical cooperation and other specialized services. Created in 1970, it is composed of 21 countries, 19 from Latin America and the Caribbean, together with Spain and Portugal, and 13 private banks. It is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and an important generator of knowledge for the region. www.caf.com
