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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. More »

	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. More »

	Global Health and the United Nations. Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of PAHO, attended a United Nations Secretary-General meeting Atlanta, Georgia. May 8-9, 2008. Carter Center.- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and about 40 global health leaders at the Carter Center to focus world attention on maternal health care. At the Carter Center, health leaders discussed the United Nations Millennium Development Goals - eight goals to be reached worldwide by 2015. Main messages from the meeting focuses on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as the best framework around which we can all rally to improve global health. More »

	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 More in 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. More »

	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 ť Director's Newslettter - 2008 World Day for Safety and Health at Work ť .

	Venezuela carries out with universal standards on vaccination Venezuela has achieved to carry out with the universal standards on vaccination, ratified the director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Mirta Roses. The maximum health authority of the continent expressed that the coverage reached by Venezuela show that there is a great sense of organization and coordination for the work, not only with the campaign against rubella but also what is being fulfilled with the Vaccination Week in the Americas. More » More in PDF;»

	Vaccination: An Act of Love that Transcends Borders Washington, D.C. Abril 23, 2008.- Article of the Director commemorating the VI Vaccination Week of the Americas published in several communications media of the Region. 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. It combines individual well-being with family and social well-being: that of the rich with that of the poor; that of children with that of the elderly; that of citizens with that of foreigners; that of rural inhabitants with that of city dwellers; that of residents with that of migrants. More »

	PAHO and UNICEF Working Together to support LAC Countries PAHO Press Release. Washington, D.C., April 25, 2008.- Top officials and technical experts from UNICEF visited the Pan American Health Organization to discuss areas of joint collaboration including water and sanitation, nutrition, social support for mothers and children, work in health emergencies and risk communications focusing on pregnant women, children and adolescents. Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, Director of PAHO and Dr. Nils Kastberg, Director of the UNICEF Regional Office shared the moral imperatives of helping excluded populations to address the unfinished agenda and accelerate progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Read more ť OPS XXI en acción. Dr. Mirta Roses' presentation at the opening of the meeting. [Spanish version] PAHO - UNICEF: Comprometidos por la Salud Poem written by Dr. Nils Kastberg, UNICEF's Director on the occasion of Dr. Roses inauguration ceremony on February 1st, 2008. [Spanish version] .

	Director of the Pan American Health Organization opens the first Latin American Conference in Research and Innovation for Health Global Forum for Health Research. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 15 - 18 April 2008.- In her visit to Brazil, Dr. Mirta Roses fulfilled an extensive agenda, she also accompanied the visit to PANAFTOSA of Dr. Luis Sambo, WHO's Regional Director for Africa, which reflects the history of joint effort from the organizations, and represents an important exchange for the information systems and basic data in Health. See also: 2o. Congresso da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP) sobre DST-AIDS. Mesa coordenada pela Diretora da Organizaçăo Pan-Americana da Saúde (Opas), Mirta Roses Periago. More »

	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 ť Vaccination week in the Americas advances on goals .

	PAHO Director at the launching of the VI Vaccination Week in the Americas April 19-26, 2008.- Vaccination Week in the Americas 2008. Pictures from the launching event. VWA_April2008.ppt

	PAHO working to improve public health, equity, and health systems at the 42nd Session of the Advisory Committee on Health Research (ACHR/CAIS) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 13 - 15 April 2008.- Dr. Mirta Roses, PASB Director, convened the 42nd Session of the Advisory Committee on Health Research (ACHR) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 13-15 April, 2007. Although research has been always present in PAHO's activities, this is the first time that the Organization is developing an explicit policy for consultation with member states, to guide its research activities in keeping with international mandates that underline the key role of research in attaining the Millenium Development Goals and in improving public health, equity, and health systems. More »

	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 ť .

	PAHO Director presents the award Champion of Health to Fundación Selva Negra Washington, D.C., 7 de April del 2008.- The PAHO designation honors Selva Negra's efforts in environmental conservation and social development, causes that are being promoted as part of the 2008 World Health Day campaign, "Protecting Health from Climate Change." PAHO Press Release .

	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 More »

	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. More »

	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 .

	PAHO Walk for Health 2008 Washington, D.C. April 5, 2008.- Successful Walk for Health Event at PAHO HQ. More than 150 staff members and their families joined this saturday walking for health to celebrate World Health Day 2008. Pictures from the Walk .

	WHO Global Policy Group (OMS GPG) Beijing, China, 26-28 March 2008.- WHO Senior policy-makers meeting. WHO Director General and Regional Directors met in China in a Global Policy Group Retreat to discuss about WHO main policy issues. More »

	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. More »

	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 ť See also: Declaracíón Ministerial sobre Prevención de Violencia y Lesiones en las Américas [Spanish version] .

	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] .

	White Helmets of Argentina and PAHO agree to strengthen regional disaster response capacity PAHO Press Release (3/11/2008).- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) today signed an agreement of understanding with the White Helmets Commission of Argentina to unite forces and cooperate in responding to disasters and other emergencies. "In the current context, emergencies, whether natural or man-made, are likely to be increasingly frequent", said PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses. Read more ť .

	PAHO Director: Gender Inequality is Completely Unacceptable Washington, D.C., March 10, 2008 (PAHO) More than a third of women in Latin America and the Caribbean have suffered violence at the hands of their domestic partners, more than 22,000 die each year in childbirth from preventable causes, and women and girls account for a growing proportion of all new cases of HIV. These and similar examples of gender inequality are "completely unacceptable," said Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Dr. Mirta Roses today at an event celebrating International Women's Day 2008, held at PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C. Read more ť .

	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 ..." More »

	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." More »

	OMS/OPS : nous sommes engagés ŕ soutenir Haďti 13 février 2008.- En Haďti dans le cadre de la réunion annuelle des représentants de l'OPS/OMS de la Caraďbe, qui se tient pour la premičre fois en Haďti, la directrice régionale de l'OMS/OPS pour les Amériques, le docteur Mirta Roses, a déclaré : " nous sommes totalement engagés ŕ soutenir Haďti afin qu'il progresse dans la réalisation des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le Développement ". Elle intervenait, en effet, au cours d'une conférence de presse tenue le 13 février ŕ Port-au-Prince. More in PDF;»

	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. ." More »

	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." More »

	Dr. Mirta Roses sworn in for 2nd term at PAHO Washington, D.C. February 1, 2008. [PAHO Release].- Dr. Mirta Roses, the first woman in charge of the oldest health institution in the world, today begins her second term as Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), saying "As we envision the future, we can dare to dream about events that will become a part of the long history of successes achieved by those who came before us." Read more ť .

	WHO Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan at the PAHO's Director sworn ceremony Washington, D.C. February 1, 2008.-Video speech of Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the Inaugural ceremony of Dr. Mirta Roses as Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for a second term. Video .

	Education, prevention, treatment, testingessential tools to combat HIV Washington, D.C. January 29, 2008. [PAHO Release]. Education, prevention, treatment and testing are essential tools to combat HIV in the USA and elsewhere in the Americas, ((PAHO) Deputy Director, Dr. Cristina Beato said today during a keynote speech to the National Latino/Hispanic AIDS Leadership Summit gathered in Washington, D.C. Read More ť .

	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 / Espańol / Portuguęs / Français PAHO Release ť .

	PAHO and Argentine Government agree to assist countries of A. Latina, Caribbean, and Africa Buenos Aires, Argentina. January 11, 2008.- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) signs a memorandum of understanding with the Argentine Government to provide joint technical assistance in the area of health to Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. The agreement was signed in Buenos Aires by the Director of PAHO, Mirta Roses, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jorge Taiana, with the purpose of "contributing to the economic and social development" of these regions "through the effective use of human, technical and financial resources" of both parties. [Release only in Spanish version] Read more ť .

	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. More »

	Canada, PAHO sign strategic cooperation framework Washington, D.C. November 20, 2007.- The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Mirta Roses, and the Permanent Representative of Canada to the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Graeme C. Clark, today signed a master framework document that represents an important step forward in the strategic relationship between PAHO and the Canadian government. Read more .

	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 More »

	Action Against Diabetes November 14, 2007.- "PAHOs 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) More »

	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 .

	Dr. Chan's opening remarks at the Fourth Global Meeting of Heads of WHO Country Offices Geneva, Switzerland. 12 November 2007.- "We all know that health problems, and the capacity to address them, vary considerably from region to region. Each country has its own unique set of threats to health. Health is affected by cultural beliefs, such as those that influence the status of women or stigmatize people with certain diseases. Health is influenced by political systems and the quality of governance. Health systems are themselves highly context-specific, shaped by history, and by the social, cultural, and political environment. These observations lead us to an obvious conclusion: this Organizations decentralized structure is an asset. It follows a time-honoured principle: delegation of responsibility to the level of greatest operational efficiency." Read more .

	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 espańol .

	Six countries take formal, concrete step towards preventing patient safety problems. A group of six countries, including two Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Member States, took a bold step today in Washington, D.C., to vigorously develop and implement standardized protocols related to patient safety solutions over the next five years. Dr. Carissa Etienne, Assistant Director along with several PAHO leaders and experts attended the ceremony. Read more Seis países acuerdan implementar soluciones para prevenir problemas de seguridad del paciente. .

	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) .

	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 PAHOs 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 .

	Quinquennial Report from PAHO Director, 2003-2007. Washington, D.C. October 2, 2007.- "Leading Public Health in the Americas into the 21st Century". The report by Dr. Mirta Roses Periago analyzes the most relevant information on compliance with the technical cooperation program during this period, within the framework of the strategic and programmatic orientations defined by the Governing Bodies of the Pan American Health Organization for the quinquennium 2003-2007. Quinquennial Report from PAHO Director 2003-2007 .

	Health in the Americas. Edition 2007. Washington D.C. October 2, 2007.- Launched the 2007 edition of Health in the Americas at the 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference, publication that offers an updated, comprehensive presentation of the health situation throughout the hemisphere generally and specifically in the 46 countries and territories of the Americas,and it describes and analyzes the progress, constraints, and challenges of PAHO Member States in their efforts to improve the health of the peoples of the Region. Health in the Americas 2007 .

	Hemisphere's Health Authorities to Gather at PAHO in the 27th Panamerican Sanitary Conference. Washington, D.C., September 27, 2007 (PAHO) The annual meeting of the Americas' top health authorities is taking place at Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) headquarters in Washington, D.C., on October 1-5. The 27th Pan American Sanitary Conference bring together ministers of health and other high-level delegates from PAHO member countries to discuss health policies and actions to address the region's major health challenges. PAHO Press Release Autoridades de Salud de las Américas se reúnen en la OPS en la 27a Conferencia Sanitaria Panamericana. .

	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 organizations 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. More »

	New Initiatives and Opportunities for Global Health New York, NY. September 20-21, 2007.- Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of the Pan American Health Organization attented an important meeting last week organized by the Rockefeller Brohers Fund. The Director participated in a Panel named Pandemic threats & public health surveillance, under the Public Health subject. Emerging infectious diseases have caused significant global human and economic loss and disproportionately threaten the health and livelihoods of poor people. More »

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	The Pan American Health Organization Promoting Health in the Americas