Dr. Barbosa also participated in the launch of the Pan-Hispanic Dictionary of Medical Terminology in Madrid, following a two-day visit to the European Union to discuss priority health topics for the Americas.
Madrid, 13 November 2023 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) in the areas of obstetric and neonatal emergencies, cervical cancer elimination, information systems for health, human resources for health and to improve clinical capacities during disasters and pandemics. As part of the agreement, AECID will donate 1.45 million Euros to PAHO this year.
The signing took place during the Director’s official visit to Spain to meet with representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Elcano Royal Institute for International and Strategic Studies, with the aim of strengthening cooperation with the country to support health projects and initiatives in the region.
“We thank the government of Spain for the contribution,” Dr. Barbosa said. “Spain has been a steadfast PAHO partner over the years and we are happy to intensify our collaboration for the benefit of the people of the Americas.”
In Madrid, Dr. Barbosa also participated in the presentation of the Pan-Hispanic Dictionary of Medical Terminology, the culmination of eight years of work, involving 13 national academies of medicine in Spain and Latin America.
The launch of this dictionary is crucial, Dr. Barbosa said, in helping to “close the gaps in concepts that persist between Spanish and English in such a key area as the health sciences.”
It will also promote the generation of knowledge and expertise in areas such as the development of resilient and inclusive health systems, the control of chronic and communicable diseases, health surveillance of emerging diseases, and social and environmental determinants, “which increasingly impact the health and well-being of the population.”
Prior to his arrival in Spain, Dr. Barbosa went on his first official visit to Brussels, Belgium, during which he met with Members of the European Parliament to discuss regional health priorities and areas for interregional cooperation between Europe and the Americas.
The PAHO Director also met with officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission’s Directorate-Generals for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), International Partnerships (INTPA) and Health and Food Safety (SANTE), as well as from the European Development Finance Institution (EDFI) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) and members of civil society organizations, where he discussed transatlantic cooperation and partnerships, and strengthened funding for health in Latin America and the Caribbean.
