A Transformative Alliance: PAHO and Canada Working for the Health and Well-being of the Most Vulnerable Communities in Peru

Eliminating Trachoma as a Public Health Problem in Loreto

The isolated Loreto region of Peru faces a persistent threat: trachoma. This endemic and neglected disease, primarily affecting women and children, causes immense suffering. The bacterial infection, Chlamydia trachomatis, is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world. The project, which will run from 2023-2028 is dedicated to eliminating trachoma across ten countries in the Americas, with Loreto as a priority. This intervention is crucial, as addressing the region’s limited access to basic services can prevent the spread of trachoma and other diseases rooted in social and environmental conditions.

By implementing a ‘cascade’ working model, PAHO, in partnership with national and local stakeholders, is building the capacity of key actors to deliver vital community care. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) SAFE strategy, tailored to the Peruvian Ministry of Health’s priorities, drives this initiative, with a focus on improving facial hygiene and environmental sanitation. With Canada’s support, this integrated approach propels the nation toward trachoma elimination as part of PAHO’s broader Disease Elimination Initiative.

To evaluate the impact of their collaborative efforts, teams from Global Affairs Canada and PAHO traveled to Requena province in February 2025, engaging with local authorities to discuss project advancements, obstacles encountered, and the efficacy of implemented solutions for improving community health and living standards.

Concluding the visit, Myriam Tison, Senior Official of Global Affairs Canada, stated, “We witnessed firsthand in Requena, Loreto, the development of intercultural SAFE strategy resources, water quality planning for ‘Miagua’ kits in seven communities, and hygiene workshops. This reinforces Canada’s strong partnership with PAHO and the Peruvian Ministry of Health, supporting projects that prioritize equitable access, vaccination, trachoma elimination, and the well-being of vulnerable women and adolescents.”

Through this collaborative effort, authorities at various levels are strategically engaged and committed to enhancing living conditions, building health personnel capacity for disease identification and treatment, and fostering community awareness of prevention and early intervention.

Equitable COVID-19 Vaccination Throughout Peru

During the pandemic, Peru proactively prioritized COVID-19 vaccine access. With vital support from Canada and PAHO, the country’s immunization strategy was significantly reinforced, resulting in substantial gains in population coverage and enhanced surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Between 2022 and 2024, the project improved vaccine distribution, strengthened cold chain and information systems, and trained health personnel to ensure equitable access to vaccines throughout Peru.

The Canada and PAHO team visit provided national authorities with a platform to report on achievements and outcomes and identify ongoing challenges, while reaffirming their pledge to advance vaccination coverage and strategically embed these actions within the national public health framework.

According to Maureen Birmingham, PAHO/WHO Representative in Peru, “The essential nature of international cooperation, particularly with valued partners such as Canada, and the unwavering commitment of the Peruvian government, is paramount to address preventable health challenges that impact well-being. This joint endeavor showcases the power of shared resources and capabilities to mitigate health inequities and forge sustainable, beneficial outcomes for the most vulnerable communities.”