Washington DC, 16 May 2025 (PAHO) – As part of the 25th International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC25), the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) and the Latin American Hub (IFIC LatAm) held the ICIC25 Latin American Virtual Event: Latin American Voices on Integrated Care for a Sustainable Future. The session brought together experts, policymakers, and representatives from across the Region of the Americas to share experiences and innovations in integrated health systems.
James Fitzgerald, Director of the Department of Health Systems and Services at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that transforming health systems toward resilient, integrated models based on Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential to achieving universal health. “We need health services that are people-centered and responsive to life course trajectories, capable of addressing social determinants of health while integrating essential public health functions under strong governance and adequate financing,” he stated.
In his presentation, Fitzgerald also addressed the growing burden of chronic conditions in the Region, the need to reorganize fragmented health services, and the critical role of the health workforce. He highlighted the importance of interoperable information systems and the potential of digital transformation to strengthen health systems.
The event served as a platform to showcase innovative approaches to implementing integrated health service networks in Latin America, emphasizing territorial, population-based, and life course approaches. It also fostered collaboration among countries and promoted regional solutions for building more equitable and sustainable health systems.
ICIC25 was held in Lisbon from May 14 to 16, 2025, bringing together over 500 participants from around the world under the theme “Synergizing Health and Care: Leveraging Integrated Care for a Sustainable Future.”
