The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Women of Central America and the Dominican Republic (STM-COMMCA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen regional cooperation aimed at improving the health and well-being of women, adolescents, and girls across Central America and the Dominican Republic.
The agreement, signed in San Salvador, El Salvador, establishes a collaborative framework to support countries in developing and implementing public policies that address health inequalities through gender-responsive, human rights-based, and intercultural approaches.
While the region has made significant progress in healthcare, challenges such as maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and unequal access to essential health services continue to affect many women, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
The partnership will focus on improving sexual and reproductive health, reducing maternal mortality, expanding care for survivors of gender-based violence, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare. The initiative will also address the health needs of migrant women and other populations experiencing vulnerability.
The memorandum encourages greater collaboration among member countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA) by promoting knowledge sharing, institutional capacity building, and stronger coordination between health and gender equality sectors. These efforts are expected to support more effective and inclusive health policies across the region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa described the agreement as an important milestone for regional cooperation, emphasizing that it will strengthen political dialogue, institutional capacity, and evidence-based policies that help reduce health inequalities affecting women and girls.
Michelle Godoy, Technical Secretary of Women of COMMCA, noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring comprehensive healthcare for women. She emphasized that the partnership will support evidence-based policymaking using disaggregated data while addressing key issues such as the care economy and violence prevention.
The new partnership reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, more equitable health systems that better respond to the needs of women, adolescents, and girls. Through coordinated regional action, PAHO and COMMCA aim to improve healthcare access, reduce disparities, and promote long-term health equity throughout Central America and the Dominican Republic.
