Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025 (PAHO) – After four days of deliberations, the 176th session of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Executive Committee concluded yesterday. Representatives from nine Member States adopted fundamental decisions for the future of public health in the region. These decisions will serve as the basis for the next meeting of the Directing Council, which will take place in September.
During the session, 39 agenda items were addressed, including the Action Plan on non-communicable diseases, the Strategy on health and migration, and the Policy for expanding equitable access to high-cost, high-price technologies. Financial reports and external audits were also reviewed.
PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, highlighted the progress made during the week, including the presentation of institutional reports on ethics, internal audit, and human resources management, as well as the review of ongoing strategies and action plans. He stated, "We all agree that, while we continue to build on our collective successes, much remains to be done to address persistent challenges". He also reiterated his call to Member States to make their financial contributions in a timely manner. He affirmed, "This is essential for the Organization to fulfill the agreed commitments".
Dr. Barbosa especially thanked the leadership of the Executive Committee President, Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health of Guyana, and the Vice President, Dr. Francisco José Alabí Montoya, Minister of Health of El Salvador, who took over the leadership of the sessions on its final day. He also extended his recognition to the participating delegations and to PAHO's technical and logistical staff for their dedication and commitment.
The PAHO Executive Committee meets twice a year and acts as the working body of the Pan American Sanitary Conference and the Directing Council. The agreed resolutions will be considered by the Organization’s 35 Member States during the 62nd meeting of the Directing Council, which will be held from September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
"As we bid farewell, I invite you to renew our commitment to Pan-Americanism and to the common goal of achieving better health for all people in the hemisphere," concluded Dr. Barbosa.
