Evidence-based policies and decision-making is one of the six Core Functions of the Organization.
The Knowledge Translation and Evidence Program promotes the institutionalization of evidence-informed mechanisms and research to improve decision-making about health and to ensure that those decisions are informed by high-quality, relevant, up-to-date, context specific, scientific evidence.
Evidence-informed decision-making is defined as using the best available data and research evidence – systematically and transparently and in the time available – in activities such as:
Knowledge translation is "the synthesis, exchange, and application of knowledge by relevant stakeholders to accelerate the benefits of global and local innovation in strengthening health systems and improving people's health."
Providing technical assistance internally and at the national, regional and global level among policymakers and other stakeholders to contribute to the improvement of health outcomes and the achievement of Universal Health. As countries develop and improve universal health, there is increasing recognition that health decision making and health system strengthening needs to be informed by context-sensitive robust research evidence.
PAHO is a key player in institutionalizing the generation and use of research evidence as part of its mandate to improve public health. The decision-making processes at all levels of the health system must be integrated with scientific evidence and health information to achieve evidence-based health care and evidence-informed policy making.