Washington, D.C., 3 October 2024 (PAHO) – During the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Member States approved a new strategy aimed at strengthening Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF) to accelerate the transformation of health systems in the Region over the next decade (2024–2034).
The strategy highlights the need to strengthen the institutional capacities of health authorities in leadership, stewardship, and governance, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This new strategy seeks to guide countries in implementing policies and measures that promote a comprehensive approach to primary health care through renewed focus on the essential public health functions, advancing towards more inclusive, equitable, and resilient health systems,” James Fitzgerald, Director of Health Systems and Services at PAHO, said.
Assessments in countries have revealed significant gaps in institutional capacities for implementing EPHF, particularly in policy frameworks, evidence generation, public health workforce competencies, monitoring and accountability mechanisms. These deficiencies, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the fragmentation of health systems and limitations in the capacities of health authorities in leadership and coordination, affecting the effectiveness of pandemic response activities.
The Strategy for Strengthening the Essential Public Health Functions to Accelerate Health Systems Transformation 2024–2034 outlines three lines of action to strengthen health systems through the application of the EPHF at all decision-making levels:
- Strengthen leadership, stewardship, and governance for health systems based on primary health care.
- Strengthen capacity for evaluation of the essential public health functions as a basis for improved policymaking and decision-making.
- Strengthen public health workforce competencies to effectively implement the essential public health functions.
As of September 2024, 16 countries have conducted assessments of their EPHF capacities, and 10 have completed strategic action plans. By 2034, advances in the EPHF are expected to drive improvements in public health indicators and the capacity to respond to future health crises. PAHO will provide technical cooperation to countries in the region to strengthen their capacities and support the achievement of the strategic lines of action.
