PAHO and the German Development Agency GIZ have forged a strategic alliance aimed at propelling the digital transformation of the healthcare sector across the Region of the Americas, ultimately striving to enhance health outcomes for millions of individuals. The signing of this pivotal agreement occurred during the 77th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland.
The collaboration between the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the German Development Agency GIZ encompasses a multifaceted approach to fortify the capacities of nations within the region. Key initiatives outlined within the agreement include the integration of digital health into national e-governance systems, bolstering connectivity infrastructure, and deploying digital methodologies to facilitate more equitable healthcare access. Central to these efforts are actions designed to advance global technical standards in digital health, ensure the quality of related software, and tailor these innovations to meet the specific needs of regional and national contexts.
Furthermore, the agreement underscores a commitment to supporting comprehensive One Health strategies for pandemic prevention and control, alongside addressing intersectoral challenges affecting public health, such as climate change, poverty, migration, infrastructure development, governance, gender disparities, social equity, and evidence-based research.
Director of PAHO, Jarbas Barbosa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to accelerate the modernization of health systems throughout the Americas. He noted, “This collaboration marks an important step forward in advancing digital health and innovation across the Americas.”
The collaboration between PAHO and the Government of Germany builds upon previous successful endeavors, including joint efforts to enhance vaccination records and disease surveillance in vulnerable and indigenous populations across the region.
Tessa Lenneman, GIZ Project Leader at Digital Innovation in Pandemic Control (DIPC), highlighted the shared vision driving this partnership, stating, “The agreement underscores our joint commitment to leveraging digital technologies to enhance healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and equity. By combining PAHO’s extensive regional expertise with GIZ’s strategic implementation capabilities, we aim to transform healthcare systems and improve health outcomes for millions.”
PAHO, as the specialized international health agency for the Inter-American system and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Americas, collaborates closely with countries throughout the region to enhance and safeguard public health.
GIZ, operating as an enterprise owned by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, specializes in providing services in the realm of international cooperation for sustainable development. With over 50 years of experience across various domains including economic development, energy, environment, and peace and security, GIZ brings invaluable expertise to the partnership.
Related topics:
