The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has opened the 178th session of its Executive Committee in Washington, D.C., bringing together Member States to address major health priorities affecting the Americas. The four-day meeting focuses on strengthening health systems, improving emergency preparedness, addressing emerging health threats, and reviewing the organization’s financial sustainability amid growing funding pressures.
In his opening remarks, Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in tackling complex health challenges. He noted that the Executive Committee provides an important opportunity for countries to shape policies and strategies that can improve health outcomes throughout the Americas while responding to evolving public health needs.
A key topic of discussion is strengthening preparedness for health emergencies and improving regional health security. Member States are reviewing a proposed Strategy for Strengthening Health Emergency and Risk Management for Health Security for the period 2026–2031. The strategy aims to enhance countries’ capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies while improving coordination across national and regional systems.
The Committee is also examining several important public health initiatives. These include a new Plan of Action on Antimicrobial Resistance for 2027–2031, which seeks to address the growing threat posed by drug-resistant infections. Delegates are additionally reviewing an Integrated Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Arboviral Diseases for 2026–2035, targeting diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and other mosquito-borne illnesses that continue to affect millions across the region.
Food safety remains another priority area. Member States are considering a Strategy and Plan of Action on Food Safety for 2026–2031 aimed at strengthening food systems, reducing foodborne illnesses, and improving public health protections throughout the Americas. The discussions reflect growing recognition of the links between food safety, nutrition, and overall health outcomes.
Dr. Barbosa highlighted PAHO’s ongoing support for countries in strengthening primary healthcare systems, advancing digital health transformation, expanding vaccination coverage, and controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases. He also underscored the need to reduce preventable deaths from noncommunicable diseases while improving maternal, newborn, child, and mental health services across the region.
Special attention was given to current measles outbreaks and the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage. PAHO is working closely with the United States, Canada, and Mexico as they prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Increased international travel associated with the tournament has prompted efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and response measures.
Financial sustainability emerged as one of the most significant issues discussed during the opening session. Despite implementing spending reductions, prioritization measures, and securing additional voluntary contributions, PAHO continues to face a funding gap of approximately US$138 million in its core programs for the current budget cycle. This shortfall represents around 20 percent of the approved budget and poses challenges for maintaining essential technical cooperation and public health activities.
Dr. Barbosa noted that approximately US$179 million in assessed contributions from Member States remain unpaid. He stressed that timely payment of these contributions is critical for sustaining operations, reducing uncertainty, and limiting dependence on earmarked donor funding. To manage financial pressures, PAHO has implemented various cost-saving measures, including reducing travel expenses, limiting recruitment, expanding the use of virtual platforms, and enhancing transparency through audits and evaluations.
The Executive Committee will also consider proposals to strengthen PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds by integrating them into a single self-sustaining mechanism. The objective is to improve efficiency, increase flexibility, and enhance access to essential medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies throughout the region.
In addition, delegates will receive updates on the implementation of the International Health Regulations and the PAHO Forward Shared Services Initiative, which aims to streamline administrative processes, improve operational efficiency, and reduce organizational costs.
The session reflects PAHO’s continued commitment to regional cooperation and collective action in addressing health challenges. Decisions and recommendations emerging from the meeting will help shape future policies and programs and will be further considered by all Member States during PAHO’s Directing Council meeting later this year.
