PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre Spotlight Series
Reference Number: ARG-15
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC for Epidemiology and Control of Tuberculosis
Institution: Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Emilio Coni”
Reference Number: CUB-29
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC for Tuberculosis Elimination
Institution: National Reference Laboratory on Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Mycobacteria, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kouri”
Reference Number: USA-440
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC on Digital Health and Precision Medicine for Tuberculosis
Institution: Center for Tuberculosis, Mayo Clinic
Reference Number: CAN-101
Official Title: PAHO/WHO CC for Tuberculosis Research
Institution: McGill International Tuberculosis
Category 1 (SP 14-19)
Outcome 4, 8, 17, 22 (SP 20-25)
Dr. Rafael Lopez Olarte, Regional Advisor, Tuberculosis Prevention and Control, is the PAHO staff member who acts as the Region’s focal point and also has a supporting role to the WHO focal point to coordinate the collaboration between the institution and the Organization.
The main activities of these Centres include: (1) disseminating information through web-based products; (2) writing technical reports; and (3) providing training and technical advice.
The Centre at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Emilio Coni” supported PAHO in the data analysis and drafting of the Tuberculosis in the Americas 2018 report, which was later presented at a UN High-Level meeting on tuberculosis in September 2018. Currently, the staff at the Centre are working on the 2019 report. The Centre has also developed expertise in conducting Epi-reviews and has supported PAHO with training staff on conducting Epi-reviews in Brazil, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
The Centre at the Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kouri” has reviewed and provided technical expertise on the Tuberculosis National Strategic Plan of Jamaica and in addition to PAHO’s workplan, has been conducting training courses and activities with Cuban and International public health professionals who are studying in Cuba.
Currently, the Centres at Mayo Clinic and McGill University works mainly with WHO and there are no deliverables to report on within the Region.
Webnotes such as these serve to inform on how CCs are contributing to the Organization’s priorities and mandates.