For five days, the health leaders will analyze the health situation in the region and discuss key resolutions on public health problems facing the Americas.
The agenda covers a series of key public health topics including:
— A strategy and plan of action on urban health
— A strategy and plan of action on “E-health”
— Plan of action to reduce maternal mortality
— Plan of action on epilepsy
— Strategy and plan of action on climate change
— Plan of action on road safety
— Plan of action to reduce harmful use of alcohol
— Strategy and plan of action on malaria
— Report on the United Nations high-level meeting on noncommunicable diseases
The PAHO Directing Council is made up of the ministers of health of PAHO/WHO member countries and meets each year to set health policies and receive new reports on the state of health in the Americas. During the meeting, PAHO Director Dr Mirta Roses will present her annual report on the organization.
Other activities related to the meeting include:
–A panel of experts on safe motherhood and sexual and reproductive health, with Dr Michelle Bachelet, director of UN Women; the Infanta Cristina of Spain; and WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan.
— The photography exhibit “Safe Motherhood in Latin America and the Caribbean” featuring the winners of a photo contest organized as part of the Safe Motherhood Initiative
— The commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the PAHO/WHO International Health Program
— The launch of a new publication on the elimination of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome
In addition, the United States’ Peace Corps and Congressman Silvestre Reyes of Texas will be honoured at a special awards presentation recognizing public health leadership in the Americas.