The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Ibero-American Road Safety Observatory (OISEVI) have joined forces to strengthen road safety cooperation across the Americas and reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by road traffic accidents.
The first joint meeting between WHO, PAHO, and OISEVI was held in Madrid, Spain, bringing together representatives from 22 countries across Ibero-America and the Caribbean. The meeting focused on improving regional collaboration, strengthening national road safety institutions, and accelerating measures to create safer transport systems.
A major outcome of the meeting was the approval of the Madrid Declaration, which recognizes the importance of strong national road safety agencies and highlights the role of regional cooperation platforms in supporting local authorities. Participants also adopted the Ibero-American Strategic Framework for Safe Mobility 2030, which promotes coordinated approaches to reducing key road risks, including speeding, alcohol-related driving, unsafe motorcycle use, lack of seat belt and helmet use, and distracted driving.
The meeting also introduced the Ibero-American Safe Mobility Index, a tool designed to monitor progress in road safety outcomes and institutional capacity while supporting improvement rather than creating a ranking system.
WHO and PAHO highlighted the urgent need to address motorcycle safety, as motorcycle users accounted for 42% of road deaths in the region in 2024. The organizations emphasized the importance of stronger helmet regulations, improved licensing systems, safer infrastructure, effective enforcement, and better transport alternatives to reduce risks for motorcycle users.
With support from the United Nations Road Safety Fund, PAHO and WHO are providing technical assistance to countries in the Americas to improve road safety laws, strengthen motorcycle safety measures, and enhance speed management policies. Representatives from several countries shared experiences and discussed strategies for protecting vulnerable road users.
The Madrid meeting contributes to preparations for upcoming global and regional road safety discussions, including the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Road Safety in 2026. PAHO and its partners continue to emphasize that stronger political leadership, reliable data, sustainable financing, and coordinated action are essential to achieving safer roads and reducing preventable deaths across the region.
