Advancing toward Health for All: Progress in Primary Health Care in the Americas.
Annual Report from PAHO Director, 2009.
There are countries in our Region and in the World that have managed to build health Systems that effectively guarantee universal and equitable access, that are collective and participatory, and that at the same time ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and quality. All of these systems are based on primary health care.
Annual Report of the Director 2009
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THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC RECESSION and the MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Washington, D.C. 49th Directing Council. October 1, 2009.- Important dialogue between Ministers of Health of the Americas during the celebration of the 49º.Directing council of PAHO analyzes the impact of the world economic crisis for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, the most ambitious endeavor ever pursued against poverty, where the principles of equity, solidarity and the right to the highest attainable health are the core values of the PHC approach; while its guiding principles are the responsiveness to people's health needs, social justice, quality-oriented services, government accountability, sustainability, participation and intersectoriality.
Director's Newsletter
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Director's Presentation to the OAS Permanent Council
Washington, D.C. September 23, 2009.- Briefing Session to the Permanent Ambassadors to the Organization of American States and others Estate Member’s Ambassadors.
Presentation
PAHO 49th Directing Council
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Caribbean Wellness Day 2009
Caribbean Countries Celebrate Healthy Lifestyles. On the week of 7-12 September, Caribbean countries will celebrate Caribbean Wellness Day 2009. CWD was launched in 2008 as a response to concerns about the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and cancer. Among the activities this year are a lifestyle management seminar, a soca-erobathon, walks, health checks and healthy cooking demonstrations.
A message from PAHO Director
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Public Health in crisis times
Buenos Aires, Argentina. August 19, 2009.- Conference of Dr. Mirta Roses in the Medical School, University of Buenos Aires, during the ceremony in memory of Dr. Carlos Canitrot, a recognized Argentine public health professional.
Presentation [only Spanish version]
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World Fair on Municipalities and Health
Buenos Aires, Argentina. August 18-21, 2009.- Argentina hosted the first World Fair on Municipalities and Health: Rights, Citizenship, and Integrated Local Management for Development, one of the year’s most important international health events, with around 3,000 participants expected.
The first day of the Fair closed with a presentation by the Director of the Pan American Health Organization, Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, who talked about "Municipalities, Health and Integrated Management: An Opportunity to Support the Exercise of Civil Rights."
Read more »
Director's presentation » [only Spanish version]
With a declaration of commitment to work together for a most healthy world and with an appeal to promote the full development of its communities, the director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Mirta Roses, closed the World Fair on Municipalities and Health.
Closing »
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Welcoming Remarks of Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, PAHO's Director, to the Regional Advisory Committee On Health Statistics (CRAES)
The PAHO’s Advisory Committee on Health Statistics (CRAES) meeting took place in the Pan American Health Organization headquarters in Washington, DC on August 11-13, 2009. The Committee meets periodically to analyze the status of health statistics in the Region of the Americas while promoting improvements in the coverage and the quality of vital and other statistics of interest to the health sector.
DSpeech-RosesM_13ago09.htm

Influenza A (H1N1): Lessons Learned and Preparing for the Future
High-level Meeting on Influenza A (H1N1). Mexico. 3 July 2009.- Director's closing remarks - 'I believe that we are reaping the fruits of years of planning and preparation, which have been very important and, since 2007, have put most of the countries on a rather similar and equitable plane in terms of their ability to participate and implement the International Health Regulations' ... 'this is the real political challenge, always bearing in mind the fundamental principles of protecting the population, solidarity, and equity, and above all trust among peoples and among authorities'.
DSpeech_MexicoSummitInfluenza_eng.htm Speech_DPAHO_InfluenzaAH1N1_MexJul09_eng.pdf

UN RDT/RDG: UN Regional Directors Group (RDG) Meeting
Panama. 29-30 June, 2009.- The Regional Directors Group (RDG) of UNAIDS Cosponsors in Latin America and the Caribbean had a very successful meeting in Panama this week, the last meeting under PAHO's chairmanship.
Dr. Mirta Roses, PAHO Director who delivered the opening remarks expressed that this gathering is a good time to measure progress made over the last year and propose some critical lines of action for the next joint RDG work plan 2010-2011.
RDG_UNAIDS_LAC_Jun09.htm

HUMAN SECURITY: A Public Health Perspective
El Paso, Texas, USA. June 5, 2009.- Dr. Mirta Roses' presentation at the LXVII Annual Meeting USMBHA /AFMES (Human Security: A New Border Response).
Human security means protecting the vital freedoms. It means protecting the people exposition to threats and to certain situations, strengthening its strength and aspirations. It also means creating systems that facilitate for people the basic elements of survival, dignity, and life.
The threats to the safety of the people in general, to women, to communities, to the ethnic groups, were not sufficiently assessed as potential threats to the safety in general, neither the poverty, the spread of diseases, the destruction of the environment, the lack of access to water, the maternal health, the not to have a permanent work. Until the end of the cold war the states and governments, had not considered priority the daily insecurities that have to support common people, because the greatest threats were seen outside the borders within the framework of the confrontation among the large potencies.
Hunan security means the equitable access to education, work, and health, as well as the respect of the human rights, as essential components of the security, this without denying the obligation of guaranteeing national security by of the governments.
Presentation »
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Passionate for Primary Health Care (PHC)
May 15, 2009.- Interview with Dr. Roses in Safe Observer International Observatory. "I believe we need to have in place well-functioning health systems that are: Able to protect the population under any circumstances; Resistant and resilient in the face of crises; Capable of reacting rapidly and developing urgent strategies; Skilled at rebuilding themselves as necessary to respond to current and future challenges arising from demographic and epidemiological changes."
Interview » [PDF]
Safe Observer - Original Publication
Health Systems Based on Primary Health Care for Social Protection. [PAHO Website]
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Seventh Vaccination Week in the Americas
April 25, 2009 - May 02, 2009.- Vaccination Week in the Americas is an unparalleled effort led by the member countries of the Pan American Health Organization to vaccinate millions of people. In 2009, the seventh Vaccination Week in the Americas will happen between the 25th of April and May 2nd. This year, Vaccination Week will emphasize vaccination of the whole family, and the immunization of health workers.
A Message from PAHO Director »
Massive Multi-Country Drive Aims to Vaccinate 30 Million People [PAHO Press Release]
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SAFE HOSPITALS and DISASTERS
Washington, DC. PAHO. 7 April 2009.- Director's article published in several countries in the region (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Barbados, República Dominicana, Caribbean Net News, Bolivia, Nicaragua)
When a disaster strikes, our most immediate concern is to save lives, help the injured, and restore well-being to the affected communities. This cannot be accomplished without a vital element: our hospitals. However, more than half of them--that is, over 8,000 in Latin America and the Caribbean, are located in high-risk areas. If these health facilities cease their operations because of a disaster, the repercussions will be infinitely worse. This year, therefore, World Health Day underscored the need for safe hospitals.
World Health Day 2009, PAHO
DArticle_SafeHospitals_April09.htm

Improving Public Health by addressing the SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Asuncion, Paraguay. 16 February 2009.- SRMM-Subregional Managers' Meeting Andean Region and Southern Cone.
Director's Interview with IP Paraguay (Secretariat of Information and Communication for Development) during her official visit to Paraguay to participate in the PAHO's SRMM.
[only Spanish version] "... la formulación de políticas públicas que aborden el peso de los determinantes sociales para reducir las desigualdades que se encuentran en los resultados de salud de la población y también de manera importante en cómo llevar a que la salud esté integrada en todas las políticas públicas (de empleo, de inversión en infraestructura, en alfabetización universal, etc.) de modo que se pueda trabajar de manera concertada y teniendo en cuenta que el objetivo final es la calidad de vida de la población ... "
Entrevista/Interview »
PDF »
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PRIMARY HEALTH CARE is the solution to key health problems facing our communities today
Asuncion, Paraguay. 12 February 2009.- PAHO's Director during an exchange that she held with representatives of different community organizations of the Central department in Paraguay that stated their experiences concerning the shares carried out to promote a healthier space; during the Subregional Managers' Meeting of the Andean area and Southern Cone of PAHO. [PDF Only in Spanish version]
PHC_solucionessalud.pdf

PAHO promotes behavior change to combat DENGUE in the Region
Asuncion, Paraguay. 10 February 2009.- PAHO Director at a press conference during the PAHO Subregional Managers' Meeting of Southern Cone and Andean (SRMM).
[only in Spanish] “Creo que tenemos el conocimiento y la estrategia que funciona, pero todavía nos falta ese cambio de comportamiento. Tenemos que encontrar los caminos para hacer que la gente no entre en pánico ni alarma, ni trate de buscar al culpable afuera porque definitivamente el culpable está dentro, muchas veces, dentro de las casas”, sostuvo.
Director's Newsletter - SRMM
Dengue_comportamiento_feb09.pdf

Health Care Must NOT Replicate Social Inequalities
Washington, DC. October 20, 2008.- The renewal of primary health care (PHC) as a crucial tool for overcoming existing weaknesses ... Our region is an acknowledged leader in the fight to ensure that the integrated vision of health expressed in the primary health care strategy becomes a priority on the political agenda and in public health policy-making. We must continue this endeavor, so critical for achieving the greater goal of health for all, with all, and by all, at every level of action in health throughout the life cycle.
DArticle_HCNotInequalities_eng_Oct08.htm

"Public Health and the Financial Crisis
Spain. October 17, 2008.- Radio France International Interviews Dr. Mirta Roses, PAHO Director, after the celebration of the Almaty Conference on the 30th Anniversary of Primary Health Care Declaration. "... Health for all and education for all, to construct safer and equitable societies ..."
[ Only in Spanish: ] Audio » / Interview »
Radio France Internacional note in Spanish»

Global Health Inequities
Almaty, Kazakhstan. Otober 7-8, 2008.- UN Radio Interview with Dr. Mirta Roses, PAHO Director, about the launching of The World Health Report 2008 and the 30th Anniversary of Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care and Health for All.
Audio only in Spanish »
Radio UN note in Spanish»
Director's Newsletter
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Planning Public Health Action. A Collective Vision and Commitment to Better Health.
Annual Report from PAHO Director, 2007-2008.
Washington, D.C. September 29, 2008.- Dr. Mirta Roses Periago presents the 2007–2008 annual report on the work of the Pan American Sanitary Bureau, Regional Office of the World Health Organization. The report highlights the Bureau's major work in providing technical cooperation during this period within the framework of the Strategic Plans of the Pan American Sanitary Bureau.
"... strategic planning will allow us to strengthen health action, improve efficiency, increase accountability, and improve social protection and access to quality health care ..."
Director's speech » / Annual Report »
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The effects of climate change on human health
September 2008. CNN interviews PAHO’s Director.
In an interview with CNN, the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) underlined the effects of climate change on human health, the new challenges faced by global health, the importance of access to and quality of safe water and food for human consumption, as well as the high incidence on the health of populations due to the changes caused by the variations in the climatic behavior of our planet, concluding that joint action and individual responsibility is vital to preserve the planet and human health.
Climate Health and Human Health [Only Spanish version]
Cambio Climático y Salud Humana
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Action Now: For the lives of mothers, newborns, and children
Chile. September 19, 2008.- Regional Launch of the Global Initiative.
"... There can be no delay. Every year, over 22,000 women in the Region die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, along with nearly 400,000 children under the age of 5. Worldwide, in the brief time required to read this article, four women who are pregnant or giving birth and 80 boys and girls under 5 will die ... "
PAHO-PMNCH Article »
WHO South-South cooperation for MDGs 4 and 5 »
Briefing video: Regional launching »
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International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to replace United Nations System Accounting Standards (UNSAS) as approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations
Washington, DC. PAHO HQ. September 9, 2008.- " ... This is a Corporate Initiative for PAHO - IPSAS supports and enhances objectives of Results Based Management. Furthermore, it ensures transparency in financial budgeting, accounting and reporting, and provides opportunities for comparability among and between international organizations ..."
DSpeech_IPSAS_eng_Sep08.htm

PAHO address the critical issue of how to support women in the health sciences in Latin America
Washington, DC. PAHO HQ. September 3, 2008.- " ... I am delighted to have the opportunity to welcome you all here to think with us on how best to help the women whose scientific efforts provides an underpinning of all that we do ... women in Latin America do not enjoy the same social status as men. Gender equality is a goal yet to be achieved ... the current trend of the rates of HIV infections in women and girls across Latin America, particularly in Caribbean countries, is alarming, Women aged between 15 and 24 account for 45 percent of all HIV infections among adults globally ... I challenge you to think with us on how we could adapt the capacity building program for women researchers and use it to empower women working on AIDS, and women working on environmental health issues so they can take their place among the thinkers and change agents for a healthier world ..."
Director's opening speech » at the meeting of Women Experts on HIV and Environmental Health Research.
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Better responses to the needs of people living with disability
A thoughtful interview for the health magazine “Patients for Patient Safety and the Right to Health” conducted by Garance Upham, the dynamic Chair of the disability and economics circle of the People’s Health Movement reminded me a few days ago about the requirement to keep improving the public health and public policy responses to the needs of people living with disability.
Dr. Roses Blog's article.
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Towards Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis as a public health problem in the Caribbean
Mexico City. August 3-8, 2008.- " ... The satellite session held on Sunday regarding achievement of Universal Access in the Caribbean and current realities clearly highlighted the potential of the region to make rapid progress towards the Universal Access goal. On the other hand, the need to ensure comprehensive quality care to pregnant women and their infants to sustain achievements on prevention of vertical transmission of HIV was identified as a must."
Dr. Roses address as keynote speaker » at the XVII International AIDS Conference, AIDS 2008.
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It's time to break the silence
Mexico. August 5, 2008.- "... preventing new infections is key to halting the HIV pandemic ... over 55,000 children under the age of 15 and 400,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 18 were living with HIV in 2007 ... only 4 out of 10 adolescents and young adults considered themselves well-informed about HIV ... let us undertake this responsibility with leadership, passion, and courage. Let us make our children’s right to protect themselves a reality ... "
UNRD_Article_VIHSilence_eng_Aug08.htm

Human Rights and Neglected Diseases
Neglected diseases impose a huge burden on developing countries, constituting a serious obstacle for socioeconomic development and quality of life. But the fact that they were bequeathed to our Region by the transatlantic slave trade makes their burden all the more galling: individuals, families and communities in our hemisphere are still suffering illness which originated in that abhorrent exploitation, more than 200 years after the outlawing of the British slave trade. Thus, taking decisive action to eliminate them as a public health problem in the Region, which is an achievable dream.
Article

Cuba is World Leader in Medical Care, According to PAHO
Cuba. Visita Oficial. Julio 28-31, 2008.- PAHO Director visited several health centers during her official visit to Cuba and pointed out that Cuba offers a wide variety of activities and services related to health, and is a founding member of PAHO, which was established 106 years ago, she also talked to the press about the work carried out by Cuba with respect to its aging population and said tha Cuba has met the needs identified several decades ago to train more healthcare professionals and provide more clinics in towns.
Media Release
[Spanish version]:Presentación de la Directora »
Resumen visita oficial de la Directora y cancelación sello postal en saludo al 60 aniversario de la OMS y el 30 aniversario de Alma Ata.
Newsletter »

Pan American Alliance for Nutrition and Development
Washington, D.C. Julio 25, 2008.- Top United Nations experts on Latin America and the Caribbean agreed on the establishment of the Pan American Alliance for Nutrition and Development.
PAHO Director Roses noted that, despite overall improvements in nutritional status at the aggregate level in Latin America and the Caribbean, 52 million people in the region are still undernourished, and 9 million children under 5 are chronically malnourished. The Pan American Alliance for Nutrition and Development would promote better nutrition not just through food production and distribution but with a broad range of actions, ranging from safer cooking stoves and safe water to urban agriculture and sustainable use of natural resources.
PAHO Press Release: U.N. Experts Warn on New Threats to MDG Progress in Latin America and the Caribbean
[Spanish version: Director's Presentation
Director's Newsletter
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Common Challenges, Joint Solutions
Washington, D.C. July 24, 2008.- Director's Article: ' ...The concept that common challenges demand joint solutions has prompted all the Directors for the Region of agencies in the United Nations system, under the coordination of the UNDP, to develop a joint work program ... coordination is critical to the success ... formulating a work plan to ensure that specific achievements are attained over the next two years ... the Pan American Partnership on Nutrition and Development directed toward finding collective solutions to the food crisis ... '
DArticle_AlianzasRDT_eng_Jul08.htm

First Things First
CHILD AND MATERNAL HEALTH. Director's BLOG article where she invites to the lecture of an Op-Ed article written by Bernardo Kliksberg, respected Adviser of the UNDP´s Regional Director for Latin American and the Caribbean, focused on childhood and maternal health.
Director's BLOG »
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Safe Surgery Saves Lives: a Pan-American Perspective
Washington, D.C. 25 June 2008.- 'PAHO participation on "Safe Surgery Saves Lives" is an important step to bring forward the patient safety agenda in the Americas'.
Dr. Mirta Roses, PAHO Director welcoming remarks at the Second Global Patient Safety Challenge: "SAFE SURGERY SAVES LIVES INITIATIVE".
See also: Director's Newsletter
DRemark_WHO_SurgerySafe_eng.htm

Director's Presentation to the OAS Permanent Council
Washington, D.C. June 19, 2008.- Briefing Session to the Permanent Ambassadors to the Organization of American States and others Estate Member’s Ambassadors.
Presentation
142nd Session of the Executive Committee Opens with Important Goals for the Health of the Peoples of the Americas
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Global Health TV Interview with Dr Mirta Roses Periago, Director, Pan American Health Organization
Washington, DC. Global Health Council. Annual Conference 2008, May 30-31, 2008.- Stephen Horn of Global Health TV chats with Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), at the Global Health Council's International Conference. She addressed the conference about the challenges of implementing a health system based on primary health care as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Alma Ata Declaration.
Interview »
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Primary Health Care: A New Vision for the Fourth Decade
Washington, D.C. May 30, 2008.- Director's speech at the special session on Primary Health Care at the Global Health Council Annual Conference 2008.
2008 mark the 30th anniversary of the Alma Ata Declaration. The principles of equitable access to affordable health care, using primary health care (PHC) as the tool to turn these principles into practice, remain as valid today as they did in 1978.
DSpeech_GlobalHealthCouncilMay08_eng.htm

Primary Health Care for the New Century
Geneva Health Forum 2008. 25 May 2008.- 'In the spirit of this Forum, and to successfully address the health determinants and affirm the right to health, I invite you to join me in building a multi-stakeholder coalition of interested parties, to ensure that a health system based on Primary Health Care represents a feasible and politically appealing policy option.' Speech delivered by Dr. Roses, PAHO's Director in the opening ceremony of the Health Forum 2008 that took place during the celebration of the 61st World Health Assembly.
DSpeech_WHA_HealthForum08_eng.htm

Action Now: For the lives of mothers, newborns, and children
Regional Launch of the Global Initiative.
"... There can be no delay. Every year, over 22,000 women in the Region die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, along with nearly 400,000 children under the age of 5. Worldwide, in the brief time required to read this article, four women who are pregnant or giving birth and 80 boys and girls under 5 will die ... "
PAHO-PMNCH Article »
WHO South-South cooperation for MDGs 4 and 5 »
more news »


Director's Newsletter »

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health.
Progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007.
Publications and reports »

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017.
Health priorities that the governments of the Americas propose to tackle over the next decade. Español / Português / Français
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PAHO's Director brings leadership and knowledge to the Americas
APHA. Washington, D.C. May, 2008.- The NATION'S HEALTH, the official newspaper of the American Public Health Association (APHA published this month an interview with Dr. Roses who was also elected as APHA's vice president for Latin America at the Association's 2007 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
The interview is published in the section Q&A with global health leader Mirta Roses Periago: Recognizing the 'interdependency' of this century
APHA_QARosesInterview.pdf

Solidarity in combating the global food crisis
Director's article. May 21, 2008.- PAHO's Director calls upon international community in order to promote the solidarity and cooperation among the countries to contribute to the production and food sovereignty of our people, eradicating malnutrition, and to the development of common strategies that make it possible for us to advance toward our health achievements, related to environmental protection and poverty reduction, achieved within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals.
DArticle_FoodCrisis_May08.htm

2008 World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Washington, D.C. May 1st., 2008.- Director's closing remarks at PAHO HQ Ceremony.
'Since the launch of the PAHO Workers' Health Regional Plan of Action in 1999, several milestones have been attained to help improve the lives and well-being of million of workers, their families, and communities in the Americas. Over the years, there has been an increase in awareness of the role and influence of our environment and workplace environment on our health. This has been possible through the advocacy and work of local, national, and international leaders in the field of occupational and environmental health. This day provides us with an opportunity to recognize the commitment of the global community that works towards a common goal: improving the health and safety of workers.'
Director's closing remarks »
Director's Newslettter - 2008 World Day for Safety and Health at Work »
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Vaccination: An Act of Love that Transcends Borders

The benefits of vaccination know no borders.
Vaccination is one of the most effective and efficient ways to put health within the reach of all.
Director's Article »


Newsletter »

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports »

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release »
English / Español / Português / Français
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A message from PAHO Director. 6th. Vaccination Week in the Americas.
19-26 April 2008.- "Vaccination Week in the Americas is an example and reminder of the best of Pan Americanism," said PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses. "We are consolidating a true participatory culture for prevention throughout the Americas."
Message »
Vaccination week in the Americas advances on goals
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TIME TO ACT: Protecting Health from Climate Change
Google News. April 11, 2008.- Google News asked Dr. Roses to write a special comment related to the theme of the World Health Day 2008 celebration: “Protecting Health from Climate Change”.
Global health put at risk by climate change. "The effect of climate change over health is neither a minor issue nor a theoretical possibility: it is already happening, here and now, and it is related to major public health problems.
You are also invited to comment at her BLog: Comment from Google News by Mirta Roses, Director, Pan American Health Organization »
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OUR Planet, OUR Health, OUR Future - They are in OUR Hands

"We can all contribute to protect our planet and to protect our health."
"...We need a comprehensive Framework for Action to properly address climate change and its impact on health: addressing Evidence, implementing Adaptation mechanisms in the health sector, and providing Leadership..."
Director's Speech at World Health Day »


Newsletter »

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports »

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release »
English / Español / Português / Français
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OUR Planet, OUR Health, OUR Future - They are in OUR Hands.
Washington, D.C. PAHO HQ. April 7, 2008.- "...We need a comprehensive Framework for Action to properly address climate change and its impact on health: addressing Evidence, implementing Adaptation mechanisms in the health sector, and providing Leadership..."
Celebrating World Health Day 2008 at PAHO
DSpeech_WHD2008_eng.htm

Climate Change a Challenge to Human Species
April 7, 2008.- "One of the most well-known, a result of changes in the usual patterns of temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, etc., occurs in the distribution of diseases, as well as vectors, which generally are insects. These also modify, for example, the seasonal cycles that had prevented the dissemination of diseases. So new ones appear or others expand, such as respiratory illnesses, yellow fever, malaria or dengue, which now extends across the continent.
Climate change gives way to a higher frequency of phenomena like hurricanes and periods of drought followed by excessive rains, which especially affect the most vulnerable, the communities that live in high-risk zones and in poverty."
Dr. Roses interview with Tierramerica, a specialised news service of UNDP and UNEP.
DInterview_Tierramerica.htm

Climate Change and Health. World Health Day 2008.
Message from the Director. April 7, 2008.- Climate change is already affecting human health, and it's time to do something about it. A message from Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of the Pan American Health Organization.
Video Message
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Building concrete, viable outputs and constructive proposals for injury prevention and safety promotion
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. March 15, 2008.- We need to target the causes and risk factors for violence and traffic injuries. Director's Speech at the inauguration ceremony at the 9th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion.
DSpeech_Merida08_eng.htm

Globalization and injuries in the context of the Americas
Merida. Mexico. Marzo 15, 2008.- Director's presentation during the celebration of the 9th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion at the panel "Globalization and Injury", which had the participation of many ministers of health from the Americas.
Presentation »

See also: Declaracíón Ministerial sobre Prevención de Violencia y Lesiones en las Américas [Spanish version]
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Report of the Panamerican Health Organization to the permanent council of the OAS
Washington, D.C. March 12, 2008.- Dr. Roses delivered her presentation to OAS Permanent Council, briefing the PAHO health achievements and challenges from the last 5 years as an specialized health agency from the inter-american system.
Director's Presentation
Director's Speech Video [Spanish version]
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Gender Equality: Let's Get Real
Director's speech at the celebration of International Women's Day 2008.
"... We need to get real about the persistently high rates of gender based violence, about the stubbornly high and unjust rates of maternal mortality, about the increasing casualties from accidents among our men and boys, about the alarming HIV infections among women and girls, especially in our Caribbean countries, about the essential and unpaid care, about women and men's different needs and realities, about health differences between women and men, about funding women's empowerment ..."
DSpeech_IWD08_eng.htm

An ACHIEVABLE DREAM: Eliminating some Diseases from the Region

"When envisioning the future of public health in the Americas, we can and should dare to dream of victories that greatly benefit all citizens and have a real impact on the human development levels of our peoples.
Eliminating certain illnesses or diseases that still afflict our peoples even though we possess the knowledge and tools with which to make them virtually disappear is one of those achievable dreams." ."
Director's Article »

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports »

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release »
English / Español / Português / Français
.

An ACHIEVABLE DREAM: Eliminating some Diseases from the Region
"When envisioning the future of public health in the Americas, we can and should dare to dream of victories that greatly benefit all citizens and have a real impact on the human development levels of our peoples.
Eliminating certain illnesses or diseases that still afflict our peoples even though we possess the knowledge and tools with which to make them virtually disappear is one of those achievable dreams."
RosesArticle_DiseaseE_eng.htm

An Achievable Dream: Eliminating Some Diseases from the Americas
In this speech, PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses outlines a set of communicable diseases--vector-borne, zoonotic, viral, bacterial and parasitic--that can be eliminated or significantly reduced by 2015 at the regional, subregional, or national level.
PAHO Director

Dr. Roses' Opening Remarks at the PAHO consultation meeting on WHO Research Strategy
Washington, D.C. HQ. February 8, 2008.- The definition of a health research strategy will provide a critical tool for managing and organizing research activities within WHO and its regional offices. It should also guide and support member states in organizing health research.
The governments of the Americas have made research a regional priority as stated in the health agenda for the Americas. PAHO is responding to this call for action by drafting its own health research policy. ."
Director's Speech »
PAHO Release »

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports »

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release »
English / Español / Português / Français
.

Dr. Roses' Opening Remarks at the PAHO consultation meeting on WHO Research Strategy.
Washington, D.C. HQ. February 8, 2008.- The definition of a health research strategy will provide a critical tool for managing and organizing research activities within WHO and its regional offices. It should also guide and support member states in organizing health research. The governments of the Americas have made research a regional priority as stated in the health agenda for the Americas. PAHO is responding to this call for action by drafting its own health research policy. ."
DRemarks_WHOResearchStrategy_F08_eng.htm

Dr. Mirta Roses Inaugural Address as Director of the Pan American Health Organization
February 1, 2008.-
"This is above all a day of commitment. Today I renew my oath to devote myself tirelessly, day by day, hour by hour, to keeping PAHO at the forefront of the response to the regional and global challenges in public health and, particularly, to serve as an instrument for bringing good health to the most neglected, vulnerable, marginalized, and excluded populations."
Director's Speech »

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports »

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release »
English / Español / Português / Français
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Dr. Mirta Roses Inaugural Address as Director of the Pan American Health Organization
February 1, 2008.-
"This is above all a day of commitment. Today I renew my oath to devote myself tirelessly, day by day, hour by hour, to keeping PAHO at the forefront of the response to the regional and global challenges in public health and, particularly, to serve as an instrument for bringing good health to the most neglected, vulnerable, marginalized, and excluded populations."
D_InaugSpeech_F08_eng.htm

WHO Executive Board reappoints Dr Mirta Roses as Regional Director for the Americas
Geneva, January 24, 2008 (PAHO).— Dr Mirta Roses was reappointed as Regional Director for the Americas by the World Health Organization's Executive Board today, and will begin her second five-year term as Regional Director for the Americas after being sworn in at a Washington ceremony February 1.
Dr Roses' Acceptance Speech: English / Español / Português / Français
PAHO Release »
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Appointment of the Regional Director for the Americas
Washington, D.C. HQ. January 22, 2008.- Dr. Roses will deliver her speech this Thursday, January 24th 2008, at the 122nd session of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the EB, for consideration of her reappointment as Regional Director for the Americas as from 1 February 2008, for a second term of five years.
RD_Speech_OMS_AD.htm

Equity and Primary Health Care
News Release.- In the health sector, the fastest and most effective way to reduce the social gaps that affect the Region is to apply the primary care strategy, because decentralizing care and reaching out to people generate enormous benefits for individuals, families, and society as a whole. Article from Dr. Mirta Roses-Periago, Director, Pan American Health Organization.
Read more »

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports »

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release »
English / Español / Português / Français
.

Equity and Primary Health Care
November 8, 2007. News Release - Article.- In the health sector, the fastest and most effective way to reduce the social gaps that affect the Region is to apply the primary care strategy, because decentralizing care and reaching out to people generate enormous benefits for individuals, families, and society as a whole. Mirta Roses-Periago, Director, Pan American Health Organization.
Equidad y Atención Primaria en Salud
EquityAndPHC_engNov07.htm

Action Against Diabetes
November 14, 2007.- "PAHO’s Strategy and Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Diseases promote better diabetes prevention and control in the Region. Emphasis is placed on the organization of services, access to diagnostic methods and treatment, and prevention." Dr. Roses article celebrating World Diabetes Day 2007.
Acción contra la diabetes (spanish version)
Diabetes_MRMedia_eng.htm

Partnership for Health Development
Geneva, Switzerland. November 12, 2007.- "The achievement of MDG related with health, is a crucial event to sustain the achievements of others MDGs and to improve life conditions of opulations. Partnerships for Health Development (PHDs) have a major role to play in this endeavour. Indeed, a key reason for establishing such partnerships and funds stemmed from global concern about the burden of disease pandemics, and the need to accelerate action substantially if global targets were to be achieved.  
A fundamental strategy of Partnerships for Health Development has been to work in new ways to expand effective collaboration – including promoting greater participation by civil society and the private sector - and increase access to resources to serve those in need".
Dr. Roses presentation at the Plenary session on Partnerships and WHO.
Partnerships for Health Development - Background Document
Three Day Policy Dialogue Agenda
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Another Step Forward in Gender Equity
Washington, DC. October 28, 2007.- Breaking the "glass ceiling," an expression used to describe the often invisible but nevertheless very real obstacles to women assuming positions of the highest responsibility is critical to achieving gender equity.
Article-Director's BLOG
Artículo - BLOG de la Directora (spanish)

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports >>

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release >>
English / Español / Português / Français
.

Spanish Cooperation and Health in the Americas
Madrid, Spain. October 29, 2007.- Spanish cooperation with PAHO to promote public health in the Americas, in addition to its bilateral cooperation with the countries, has been tremendously important. Launched in Central America in the 1980s with the program “Health, a Bridge for Peace,” it has continued to grow and set an example.
Article - Director's BLOG (PDF)
Versión español
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Spanish Cooperation and Health in the Americas
Madrid, Spain. October 29, 2007.-Spanish cooperation with PAHO to promote public health in the Americas, in addition to its bilateral cooperation with the countries, has been tremendously important. Launched in Central America in the 1980s with the program “Health, a Bridge for Peace,” it has continued to grow and set an example.
Article-Director's BLOG
Artículo - BLOG de la Directora (spanish)

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports >>

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release >>
English / Español / Português / Français
.

Another Step Forward in Gender Equity
Washington, DC. October 28, 2007.- Breaking the "glass ceiling," an expression used to describe the often invisible but nevertheless very real obstacles to women assuming positions of the highest responsibility is critical to achieving gender equity.
Article-Director's BLOG
Artículo - BLOG de la Directora (spanish)
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Serving our hopeful, striving peoples who aspire to better living and health conditions is the purpose of our efforts.
Director's Election Video
Washington D.C.
October 3, 2007.-
"With humility, unwavering dedication, and the steadfast support that all of you and our partners and allies in health development have given me, I shall continue to advance PAHO’s noble mission on behalf of public health in the Region.

The 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference, the most important meeting of the Governing Bodies of the Pan American Health Organization, today reelected Dr. Mirta Roses Periago as Director of this prestigious health institution serving the Americas for five more years.
Acceptance Speech:
English / Spanish / French / Portuguese
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Serving our hopeful, striving peoples who aspire to better living and health conditions is the purpose of our efforts.

Washington D.C.
October 3, 2007.-
"With humility, unwavering dedication, and the steadfast support that all of you and our partners and allies in health development have given me, I shall continue to advance PAHO’s noble mission on behalf of public health in the Region.

The 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference, the most important meeting of the Governing Bodies of the Pan American Health Organization, today reelected Dr. Mirta Roses Periago as Director of this prestigious health institution serving the Americas for five more years.
Acceptance Speech:
English / Spanish / French / Portuguese

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports >>

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release >>
.

Strengthening information exchange to more effectively assist member countries with disaster response, says PAHO Director.
Washington, D.C. OAS HQ. September 24, 2007.- PAHO Director Mirta Roses Periago spoke about the organization’s role in the IACNDR and in emergency operations as well as collaborating with humanitarian organizations, underscoring the importance of strengthening information exchange to more effectively assist member countries with disaster response.
OAS_IACNDR_Sep07.htm

Dr. Roses' Talking Points at the Regional Summit on Chronic Non_Communicable Diseases.
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. September 15, 2007. - "I am honored to have been invited to this special Summit of CARICOM Heads of Government. Let me congratulate you for the leadership and strategic vision you are demonstrating in uniting to stop the chronic disease epidemic that is undermining human and economic development prospects of economies which can ill afford them. It is clear that for the Caribbean, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) need to include NCDs, since the current epidemic also needs to be curbed before 2015."
TRT_TPoints_Sep07.pdf

A Consensus to Reduce Neonatal Mortality.
BLOG's article.- Every three minutes, a neonatal death occurs in Latin America. This is completely unacceptable, as the available knowledge should permit a substantial reduction in that rate through relatively low-cost measures. Tens of thousands of newborn lives could be saved each year, and the Region would achieve the reduction in child deaths contemplated in the Millennium Development Goals. PAHO Director's BLOG Article.
Read more

Improving Health in the Americas. How Far We Come and How Far Do We Have to Go?
Bahía, Brazil. July 17, 2007.- Director's presentation at the UFBA (Federal University of Bahia) before the national authorities and foreign delegations, event that is part of the activities of Abrasco 2007.
Presentation. Improving Health in the Americas
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Health is essential for sustainable democracy in Americas.
Washington, D.C. PAHO HQ. June 20, 2007.- Ambassadors' pronouncement during the presentation of Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, Director of the Pan American Health Organization to the OAS Ambassadors Permanent Council on the upcoming 140th Session of PAHO's Executive Committee, which will be held next week at PAHO HQ.
Director's presentation. Briefing Session to the Permanent Ambassadors to the Organization of American States.
[Release is available in Spanish, English version will be updated soon]
OAS_DPresent_spa_Jun07.htm

Fulbright-PAHO Interns in Public Health and Interns from the PAHO Internship Program meet the Director
Washington, D.C. PAHO HQ. June 21, 2007.- "Senior PAHOs Interns" as the Director called them meet to celebrate the second year of the Fulbright-PAHO Internship in Public Health. The Pan American Health Organization has a 23 years history of developing international public health professionals through their International Public Health Professional Program and more recently their Internship and Fulbright Internship Programs. Several hundred professionals have graduated from these programs that are an invaluable partner for the work and leadership of the Organization in the region and across the world.
FulbrightInterns_eng_Jun07.htm

New Life for Primary Health Care: the Social Determinants of Health.
Vancouver, Canada. 7-9 June 2007.- Director presentation at the 8th Commissioners' meeting of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Any approach to improve health should be linked within a broader economic, social and political context, and should allow for the inclusion of multiple actors and sectors. PAHO understands Primary Health Care (PHC) as an integral part of the development of Health Systems. Read more >>

PAHO in the 21st Century: Leadership and Cooperation in Public Health. PAHO's publication that presents the progress toward fulfilling the initial commitments to cooperation in public health in the period of 2003-2007 developed by the Organization to serve the Member States.Publications and reports >>

Health Agenda for the Americas 2008-2017. The hemisphere's top health policy authorities have launched the Health Agenda for the Americas, setting out the health priorities the governments propose to tackle over the next decade. Release >>
.

Latin America and the Caribbean: United in Diversity toward Universal Access
Buenos Aires, Argentina. 20 April 2007.- Turn the HIV epidemic around through an integrated response… prevention, care, and treatment, in a social environment marked by respect and the exercise of human rights, including the right to health, inclusion, and zero tolerance for stigma and discrimination. Closing remarks of Dr. Mirta Roses, PAHO's Director at the IV Latin American and Caribbean Forum on HIV/AIDS/STI.
FORUM_VIH_Closing_Apr07.htm

Invest in Health. Build a Safer Future.
Creating a safer international health situation will require the cooperation of governments, business, civil society, the media, and citizens, as underscored during the celebration of WORLD HEALTH DAY on 7 April, for no country or institution can tackle international public health problems from emerging or reemerging infectious diseases, natural disasters, or epidemics on its own.
Director's BLOG Article celebrating World Health Day 2007
PAHO World Health Day 2007
Director's Message

Let us each do our part to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.
Washington, D.C., HQ. March 8, 2007. - Director's speaking notes at the celebration of International Women's Day at PAHO HQ. Dr. Roses welcome the ambassadors, delegations and personalities that gather today in PAHO to celebrate the 2007 International Women's Day,- "a date when women around the world, celebrate their achievements and take stock of progress made towards achieving gender equity".
IWD_DirectorSpeaking.htm

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2007. Message from the Director.
"Make Every Girl Count:Improving Cervical Cancer Prevention"
The Pan American Health Organization celebrates International Women’s Day working intensely for the equality and the equity.
IWD_WorldDay_Mar07eng.htm

BAHAMAS. Director's Official Visit.
Nassau, Bahamas, February 27 - March 2, 2007. - During her visit the Director met important governments authorities, she visited the Minister of Health, and met Senator the Honourable Dr. Bernard J. Nottage (Minister of Health, National Insurance and Public Information), and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Fred Mitchell. She also delivered two presentations and had a live radio interview.
Bahamas_OVisit_Feb2007.htm

Avian flu in UK and their impact on the Region. BBC News Washington Interview Dr. Roses.
Washington, D.C. February 4, 2007. - The BBC News invited Dr. Mirta Roses to discuss the avian flu situation in the United Kingdom and its impact in the Region. The live interview took place on 27 February at 8:20 p.m. Dr. Albino Belotto, Unit Chief of the PAHO’s Health Surveillance and Disease Management Unit, accompanied Dr. Roses. (Release in Spanish version)
BBCNews_AvianFlu_Fe0407.htm

Improving People’s Health through Healthy Environments
Washington, D.C. February 2, 2007. - Millions of families in the world exist – or struggle to survive – in environmental hazards. They are exposed to harsh weather, poor ventilation, little light and the need for constant repair. These conditions are especially oppressive for children – their bodies, their growth and development and their dreams. We need to find the ways to strengthen linkages between health and environment, and integrate our work to improve quality of life in the region.
Dr. Roses presentation in the plenary session at the 7th National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment (NCSE), with focus on Integrating Environment and Human Health.
WDC_Environment_HumanHealth_Feb07.htm

World AIDS Day, 2006. Message from Director. Stop AIDS, keep the promise
Washington, D.C.December 1st, 2006. Fighting AIDS: personal and professional commitment. Almost 200 deaths a day from AIDS in our Region that could be avoided.
AIDS_WorldDay_Dec06.htm

The UN and You: Making a Difference Together. PAHO Director presentation.
Washington, D.C., October 26, 2006. - During the celebration of the United Nations Week 2006 at George Washington University, College of Public Health, the Director of the Pan American Health Organization, Dr. Mirta Roses Periago deliver a presentation at a special panel to discuss : Meeting the Millennium Development Goals: The Shortage of Health Workers and other Public Health Challenges.
GWU_HealthWorkers_MDGs.ppt

Consolidated income plans, donor engagement plans, and resource mobilization action plans to commit a virtual WHO's GRM Network.
Main objective of the WHO's Global Resource Mobilization Team (GRMT) Annual Meeting, hosted by PAHO/WHO. Washington, D.C., PAHO-HQ, October 11-13, 2006. - Dr. Mirta Roses, PAHO's Director welcome the participants to the meeting, and noted that the organization is moving toward resource mobilization, and its important to be transparent in information, good in planning instruments, and show the benefits of good resource mobilization policies. The meeting's opening was also chair by Dr. Anders Nordstrom, WHO's acting Director-General; Mrs. Namita Pradhan, PRP Director/WHO; and Dr. David Heymann, WHO Resource Mobilization Framework via Videolink.
WRMT_NewsRelease.htm

PAHO/WHO's Collaborating Center on Public Health, Law and Human Rights at Georgetown and Johns Hopkins Universities.
PAHO's Director Dr. Mirta Roses Periago addressed the assemblage celebrating the launching of the Center for Law and the Public's Health as a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center. The event took place at Georgetown University Law Center.
Georgetown_CCenter_MRoses.htm

Faces & Places: Empowering Vulnerable Communities.
Dr. Roses presentation at the 47th Directing Council. September 25, 2006. Director's closing presentation at the Panel Discussion of Strategic Alliance for the Attainment of the Development Goals of the United Nations Millennium Declaration.
DrRosesPanelStrategicIntersectorialAlliance.ppt

Close the Gap of Health in the Least Protected Population.
Annual Report of the Director - 2006.
"The search for equity in health is one of the main objectives that guide" the Pan American Health Organization actions in the Americas, PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses said today, presenting her annual report to the organization's 47th Directing Council, an annual summit of health ministers who meet to discuss crucial public health issues. The report focuses on closing the gaps in health in the least protected populations in the Americas.
Annual Report of the Director 2006
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Challenges and opportunities to achieve Universal Access to Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support in Latin American and the Caribbean Region
"...We have come a long way, but every day we have new infections, a child is born HIV positive, a child becomes orphan due to AIDS, a person dies of AIDS, a patient falls back due to resistance..."
[These were Dr. Roses' initial words while addressing the closing remarks at a panel discussion organized by the Group of Regional Directors on HIV/AIDS of Latin America and the Caribbean, as part of the High-Level Meeting on AIDS at the United Nations]
UNGASS Meeting. Special Session. New York, June 2, 2006.
NY_UNGASS_TalkingNotes_Eng_Jun2-06.htm

Words from Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of PAHO, on World TB Day 2004
This brief speech (that can be heard on the video produced for the occasion) summarizes the situation that the Region faces in its fight against tuberculosis.
tb2004-Director.htm

Message from Dr. George A.O. Alleyne, Director, PAHO
It is quite clear that tobacco and sports do not mix. Athletic excellence is the paragon of health, and is the antithesis of a body polluted with tobacco smoke, addicted to nicotine and unable to breathe freely. The vast majority of athletes, amateur and professional, do not smoke and are well aware that smoking harms their health and abilities.
wntd-2002DirectorMessage.doc wntd-2002DirectorMessage.pdf