Washington, D.C., October 23, 2006.

Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, Director of the Pan American Health Organization, visited Mr. Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, USA.

For both health authorities this meeting is an important step toward the commitment to collaborate and work together to improve the health in the Region.

Dr. Roses and Sec. Leavitt took the opportunity to review the outcomes of the past 56 Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization that took place last september at PAHO/HQ; and also review the progress and achievements of the countries towards the Health Goals and Collective mandates.

The Director also congratulated Sec. Leavitt for the election of the USA to the Executive Committee of the Organization for the period 2006-09 joining other 8 countries in sharing responsibility for orienting and overseeing PAHO work plans.