Panama City, 18 November, 2024 (PAHO/WHO) - International experts, representatives from Ministries of Health, and technical staff from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in over ten countries across the Americas convened in Panama City, Panama, from November 13 to 15 for the workshop Impact of WASH Services on the Elimination of Trachoma and Other Neglected Infectious Diseases (NIDs).
Limited access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services (WASH) remains a significant barrier to controlling and eliminating trachoma and other NIDs. To address this challenge, PAHO has developed practical tools focusing on WASH and solid waste management to improve the quality of life in the most vulnerable communities. These tools are an integral part of the strategy for eliminating these diseases and were shared during the workshop to support national and local implementation.
A Holistic Approach
Participants at the event highlighted the critical need to integrate the WASH agenda into efforts to combat NIDs, emphasizing the lasting and transformative impact these interventions can have on improving health outcomes and overall well-being in communities with limited access to essential services.
Patricia Atkinson, Canada’s Ambassador to Panama, participated in the workshop’s opening session. She highlighted the WHO’s Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030, which sets a target of 100% access to basic WASH services in areas where NIDs are endemic.
Sandra Talero, coordinator of the Trachoma Elimination Initiative in the Americas, a partnership between PAHO and the Government of Canada, stressed that “in the case of diseases like trachoma, which can lead to visual impairment and eventual blindness, PAHO advocates for policies that promote access to essential services.”
She highlighted the importance of diagnostics to generate evidence-based solutions that drive behavior change, ultimately improving the quality of life for women and girls, who often serve as caregivers for infected individuals. “This approach not only enhances their living environment but also ensures the sustainability and definitive elimination of trachoma,” she stated.
Workshop Highlights
The workshop combined presentations, hands-on exercises, and group discussions. Key activities included:
- Training on PAHO-developed WASH tools, such as WASHFIT and WASHPRESS, adapted to local contexts and healthcare facilities.
- Experience-sharing among participating countries, with success stories from Bolivia, Guatemala, Brazil, Peru, and others.
- Development of roadmaps and decision trees to support future actions and enhance WASH services in communities in vulnerable situations.
Participants from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Peru worked on concrete plans to tailor the tools and knowledge acquired to their national contexts. The objective is to improve access to and the quality of WASH services in affected communities, foster sustained regional collaboration for sharing effective strategies, and significantly contribute to eliminating trachoma and other NIDs in the Americas.
Looking ahead, countries in the region are expected to implement the roadmaps with an integrated approach to accelerate programmatic action and strengthen multisectoral coordination.
