PAHO urges countries to close immunization gaps and strengthen surveillance to protect the Region from imported poliovirusWashington, D.C., 23 October 2026 (PAHO) – The Americas mark 35 years without a case of polio caused by wild poliovirus this World Polio Day, but vaccination coverage remains below the 95% target recommended by the Pan American…
Lead exposure affects up to 815 million children worldwide. During International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, PAHO highlights the need to identify sources of exposure, strengthen surveillance, and protect children from the harmful effects of lead.Washington, D.C., 21 October 2026 (PAHO) – Lead poisoning often goes unnoticed. Children can be…
The Organization highlights recent increases in dengue cases in several countries and the resurgence of chikungunya transmission in areas where the virus had not circulated for several years, as South America approaches its peak transmission season.Washington, D.C., October 21, 2026 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called on…
Berlin, 15 October 2026 (PAHO) – Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director and WHO Regional Director for the Americas Dr. Jarbas Barbosa called for countries and regional institutions to have a stronger role in shaping ongoing reforms of the global health system during the World Health Summit 2026 in Berlin this week, arguing that…
The meeting will review the regional situation regarding measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in the Americas, as well as evidence submitted by countries on the elimination of these diseases.Washington, D.C., October 14, 2026 (PAHO) – The Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission (RVC) will hold…
The Organization is coordinating with national authorities to identify priority areas for technical cooperation in response to health needs resulting from the earthquake.Panama City, October 11, 2026 (PAHO/WHO) – The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is coordinating with Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) to…
PAHO assesses risk of measles spread as very high ahead of religious mass gatherings in the Americas
Vaccination gaps and increased population movement could facilitate further transmission, underscoring the need for stronger vaccination and surveillance effortsWashington, D.C., 9 October 2026 (PAHO) — With several religious mass gatherings in South America expected to increase national and international travel across the Americas in the…
More than 185 million people live with mental health conditions in the Americas. Addressing the challenge requires action beyond the health sector.Washington, D.C., 6 October 2026 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Organization of American States (OAS) are marking Inter-American Mental Health Week 2026 (October 5–9) with…
Washington, D.C., 6 October 2026 (PAHO) – Countries in the Americas have made progress in policies, health services and monitoring to support healthy aging, but gaps in financing, implementation and long-term care remain, according to regional findings from the 2026 midterm review of the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging (2021–2030).The…