PAHO Forward: An organization-wide approach to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and accountability

Introduction by Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva, Jr., Director, Pan American Health Organization:

15 September 2023

On 31 January 2023, during my inaugural address, I unveiled a vision for our Organization built upon five pillars to guide us over the next five years. The fifth pillar – Strengthening the capacity of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to support Member States – is aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability (ETA), building on the progress made by the Organization, harnessing innovation, and adopting modern tools and practices. PAHO Forward is an organization-wide approach to guide the implementation of ETA initiatives in a collaborative and coordinated manner. Up-to-date, streamlined, and strengthened management policies, processes, and systems are essential for PAHO to expand its relevance, technical expertise, and leadership in the Region of the Americas and globally.

As I reflect on these first months in my role as Director of PAHO, I take pride in the strides our Organization has made in terms of ETA over the years. This progress has significantly contributed to enhancing the health and well-being of the people of the Americas. As we embark on the next phase with PAHO Forward, my commitment is to build upon these successes and propel PAHO to the forefront of public health in the post-COVID-19 era within our Region.

Countries in the Americas face a complex public health landscape, characterized by significant inequities both between and within countries, as well as an accelerated demographic transition in Latin America and the Caribbean. PAHO is an essential organization for the health, and therefore the development, of the Americas.

By strengthening its country focus, PAHO can help countries to overcome persistent inequities, build health systems that can respond to emerging threats, recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and achieve universal health. It has a unique capacity to deliver high-quality technical cooperation, maintaining a strong country presence, and being strategically positioned to address Member States’ needs and priorities.

To fulfill our mission effectively, PAHO must continue to innovate and ensure its internal processes and management systems integrate ETA measures. We must collectively nurture a culture of creativity, agility, and adaptability, while ensuring quality, responsiveness, timeliness, and gender equity in our Organization. Your participation, creativity, and ownership of these initiatives are essential for sustainable success.

Please join me on this journey to strengthen our organizational ETA. PAHO Forward can only be successful if we move forward together.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva, Jr.
Director
Pan American Health Organization