Nassau, The Bahamas, 17 February 2026 (PAHO) — The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas have signed the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2026–2031, establishing the medium-term strategic framework to guide PAHO’s technical cooperation with the country over the next six years.
“The Country Cooperation Strategy is more than a document; it is a multi-agreement on priorities, values, and ways of working. It reflects national leadership and ownership and aligns with the country's health and development goals. It ensures that PAHO’s technical cooperation is focused, relevant, and impactful. The Bahamas has demonstrated remarkable resilience and leadership in the face of complex challenges,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa during the signing ceremony.
The signing marks the first-ever Country Cooperation Strategy between PAHO/WHO and The Bahamas and formalizes a shared commitment to work strategically and collaboratively to strengthen national health systems and improve the health and well-being of the population.
The CCS 2026–2031 is aligned with The Bahamas’ national development plan and health priorities, as well as with the PAHO Strategic Plan 2026–2031 and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work. The CCS is expected to support the country in accelerating progress toward the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and identifies areas where PAHO/WHO has a comparative advantage to deliver measurable public health impact.
The signing took place at the Office of the Prime Minister in Nassau and was also attended by Hon. Phillip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative in the Bahamas, and senior government health officials and PAHO staff.
Developed through a participatory and collaborative national process, the CCS reflects strong country ownership and multisectoral engagement. It defines four strategic priorities and 13 related deliverables that will guide PAHO/WHO’s technical cooperation in the country. The four strategic priorities include:
- Strengthening people-centered health systems to build an integrated, evidence-based health system that advances universal health coverage and equity. Key actions include strengthening governance and health financing, improving access to quality care, reinforcing the health workforce, and enhancing oversight of medicines, technologies, and blood services.
- Advancing health across the life course to reduce maternal and infant mortality and respond to the evolving needs of an aging population. Key actions are centered on primary health care and include stronger national programs and evidence-based policies to improve health outcomes at every stage of life.
- Tackling diseases and strengthening health information systems to improve prevention and control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, including mental health, while addressing violence and injuries. Key actions include stronger surveillance and modernized information systems, including digital health and cybersecurity safeguards.
- Building resilient systems for emergencies and climate risks. Recognizing The Bahamas’ vulnerability to public health threats and climate-related events, this priority focuses on strengthening emergency preparedness and response capacities, reinforcing International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities, promoting a One Health approach, and advancing climate-resilient health infrastructure.
Implementation of the strategy will be led by the Government of The Bahamas, with PAHO/WHO providing technical cooperation and support. Its execution will be subject to the availability of funds.
Discussing national issues
Following the signing ceremony, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa met with Prime Minister Phillip Davis to discuss ongoing collaboration and share priorities under the new Country Cooperation Strategy.
He congratulated the Government on the recent passage of the Health Promotion and Wellness Bill; progress toward certification of the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; development of the health chapter of the National Adaptation Plan to address climate-related health risks; and advancements in information systems for health, including the use of artificial intelligence and strengthened cybersecurity.
Through this renewed partnership, PAHO/WHO and The Bahamas reaffirm their longstanding collaboration, rooted in decades of cooperation, and their shared commitment to strengthening national capacities, promoting equity, and advancing resilient and sustainable health systems for all people in The Bahamas.
