Join us on Tuesday, November 10, at 10:00 a.m. (Washington, D.C. time) for the webinar on "Guidelines for Addressing Menopause: Regional Overview, Experiences and Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean".
Background
Climacteric and menopause are natural stages of the life course, yet they can affect women’s health, well-being, and quality of life. Menopause, despite its significance, is inadequately addressed in health policies and services. Clinical guidelines and recommendations can help promote comprehensive, evidence-based care and support health teams in the management of symptoms, prevention of chronic diseases, and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, the availability of national guidance remains uneven. A PAHO regional analysis identified current documents related to climacteric and menopause care in only 9 of the 33 Member States, with differences in scope, responsible institutions, updating, and topics addressed. Against this backdrop, the webinar will promote the regional exchange of knowledge and experiences to position menopause and the climacteric as public health issues and advance a comprehensive approach to women’s health across the life course.
How to participate
DATE: Tuesday, 10 November, 2026
TIME: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (EDT)
REGISTRATION: https://paho-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_29dNqiMXRWSPF51smmNYKA
LANGUAGES: Interpretation will be available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Objectives
Present the regional landscape regarding the availability and characteristics of existing guidelines and recommendations.
Share key international evidence-based recommendations for menopause care.
Highlight experiences and lessons learned from countries that have developed or updated national guidance.
Identify challenges, opportunities for collaboration, and next steps to advance a regional agenda.
Target audience
Policymakers and women’s health program managers; interprofessional primary health care teams; decision-makers, government representatives, health managers, and scientific societies; researchers; international organizations; women’s organizations; and other interested stakeholders.
Agenda
10:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
James Fitzgerald, Director, Health Systems and Services Department, PAHO/WHO
10:05 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.
Presentation - International Menopause Society (IMS) Guide. Recommendations for menopause care and implementation experience
Nick Panay, Immediate Outgoing President of the International Menopause Society (IMS)
10:25 a.m. - 10:35 a.m.
Status of Guidelines and Recommendations for Menopause Care in Latin America and the Caribbean
Rodolfo Gómez Ponce de León, Regional Advisor on Maternal, Sexual and Reproductive Health, HL/HSS, PAHO/WHO
10:35 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Presentation - From recommendations to practice/development of recommendations
Lianne Gonsalves, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO
10:45 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.
The voice of users: incorporating their needs in the design of health services. Experience from Honduras.
Ana Emilia Solis Ortega, PAHO Representative, Honduras
10:55 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
Participatory Panel Discussion – Recommendations and interventions in menopause
• Moderator: Mariana Carbajal
Perspective of scientific societies of menopause: Alejandro Paradas, FLASOG, FLASCYM
Cardiovascular Health: Heart Disease in Women: Dr. Ivanna Duro, Women's Heart Disease Committee of the Uruguayan Society of Cardiology
Women's Health During Menopause in the Workplace: Gabriela Rojas, CEO, No Rules
11:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Closing Remarks
Suzanne Serruya, Unit Chief, Life Course, Women's and Children's Health, HL/HSS, PAHO/WHO