Panama City, April 30, 2025 - The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at reinforcing the collaboration between the two organizations and optimizing the execution of health sector projects in the region.
The agreement was signed by Fabrizio Feliciani, UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, consolidating a strategic alliance focused on strengthening resilient health infrastructure, expanding access to essential medicines, and promoting efficient management of health resources in the countries of the region, among other objectives.
This agreement supports the comprehensive strengthening of health systems in Latin America and the Caribbean through sustainable infrastructure and procurement projects in the health sector, helping build systems that are more resilient, efficient, and better equipped to meet the needs of the population.
Since 2014, UNOPS and PAHO/WHO have worked together on various initiatives in Honduras and Brazil, including improving health infrastructure, optimizing procurement processes, and implementing health management projects.
A recent example of this collaboration is the joint publication of the COVID-19 prevention guide for construction sites in 2020, which demonstrated the positive impact of cooperation between the two entities in a time of crisis, ensuring construction workers could safeguard their health while continuing to work during the pandemic.
“We work to ensure that the goals of SDG 3 are translated into tangible realities for people. This agreement allows us to move toward more integrated, accessible, and resilient health systems, ensuring that medical equipment, supplies, medicines, and infrastructure reach those who need them most, delivered in line with best practices for the benefit of the population. With PAHO, we share a commitment to reducing gaps, strengthening public capacity, and putting health at the center of sustainable development,” said Fabrizio Feliciani, UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Ensuring the health of all people in our region is essential to achieving sustainable development in the Americas,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. “We look forward to continuing the collaboration between UNOPS and PAHO to strengthen access to health systems, supplies, and services for all.”
The signing of this MoU reaffirms the commitment of UNOPS and PAHO/WHO to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 and those that impact health. SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. This alliance will allow both organizations to continue working together to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations and strengthen health systems across the region.
About UNOPS
Our mission is to help people improve their living conditions and assist countries in achieving peace and sustainable development. We support the United Nations, governments, and other partners in project management and the efficient implementation of sustainable infrastructure and procurement processes. To learn more, visit www.unops.org/en and follow UNOPS on Facebook,X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp y Threads
About PAHO
PAHO, established in 1902, is the oldest international public health organization in the world. It works with its member countries to improve health and quality of life for the peoples of the Americas. It serves as the WHO Regional Office for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System (OAS).
Contact information
Sandra Ramírez Rivera
Regional Communication Specialist
Office of the Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean - UNOPS
sandrarr@unops.org
+507 6169 9801
Sebastián Oliel
Media and Social Media Specialist
Regional Office
Pan American Health Organization – PAHO
mediateam@paho.org
+1 202 316 5679
