Guatemala - Plans for Centennial Celebrations

Stamp Celebrates PAHO Centennial

In honor of the 100 years of the Pan American Health Organization, the National Philatelic Council aproved the release of 50,000 postal stamps.

The stamp, highlighting PAHO's centennial, measures 40x50mm. and was printed in full color. The stamp is accompanied by a booklet about the many accomplishments of the Pan American Health Organization, in Spanish, English, and French.

"Living Healthy" campaign

In Guatemala, Nuestro Diario, the newspaper with the largest circulation in the country and the most accessibility to the poorest populations, published the first edition of its "Living Healthy" campaign. A total of 50 articles on health topics will be published throughout the year. The newspaper has formed this precedent setting alliance with PAHO in Guatemala in honor of the centennial.

"Health Park" Initiative

On April 5th, the "Health Park" initiative was launched. The initiative is being promoted by the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, the city of Guatemala's municipal government, Roosevelt Hospital, the School of Medicine, and the Pan American Health Organization, among others. During the ceremony, recreational and sports activities organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports took place and special guests, staff members of the participating institutions and organizations, and representatives of the media and the community at large took part.

The purpose of the "Health Park" is to contribute to the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The park will be formally inaugurated on December 2nd , 2002 in honor of anniversary of the founding of PAHO.

Other developments:

Centennial year activities:

• January 2002 - Competition among staff members and retirees on their knowledge of PAHO and it history


• February 2002 - Health Rally


• March 2002 - Photo exhibit on the history of PAHO


• April 7 - 14, 2002 - Health Convention


• June 2002 - Play related to PAHO centennial with the participation of staff members and retirees


• August 2002 - Month of Panamericanism and health


• September 2002 - Cultural Peña


• October 2002 - Competition and exhibit of murals, plays and posters


• November 2002 - Folkloric presentations and fireworks


• December 1, 2002 - Popular concert with famous artists


• December 2, 2002 - Official act and Gala celebration

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