Regional Stories
A national survey in Ecuador shows how PAHO supports countries across the Americas in generating the data needed to better understand noncommunicable diseases and inform public health policies.— August 2026 —Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, are the leading cause of death and…
The story of Auris Vega, an epidemiologist who helped identify health risks that could become the next public health emergency.— August 2026 —
When people seek medical care, they expect the health system to work as one. They expect their medical information to follow them, different providers to communicate with one another, and follow-up care to be available when they need it.But that is not always the case.Across much of Latin America and the Caribbean, patients often navigate…
The earthquake that struck Venezuela put Yulyma and Richard—two members of local emergency response teams—to the test, following years of disaster-response training. Among the initiatives that helped strengthen their knowledge and experience were activities supported by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO),…
Following the June 24 earthquake that struck north-central Venezuela, thousands of people saw their lives upended in a matter of seconds. While hospitals received patients with fractures, burns, trauma, and other injuries, many families faced the uncertainty of staying outside their homes and maintaining access to the health services they needed.…
By combining river and air transport, health teams delivered eye care, disease screening and other essential health services to remote Indigenous communities in Colombia's Vaupés department through an integrated approach to care.— July 2026 —
Following the detection of an imported case—at a time when vaccination activities were already underway—health teams in San Luis traversed rural roads, built relationships, and brought vaccines to isolated populations with distinct cultural dynamics to prevent further outbreaks.— June 2026 —A year ago, an eight-month-old girl from a…
When most people think about blood donation, they think of emergencies, such as trauma cases, accidents, and lives saved in critical moments. Yet for millions of people, access to blood is also essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth complications, and other life-changing medical care.— June 2026 —Michelle*, who lives in…
Through early detection, integrated care, and sustained outreach, the Turks and Caicos Islands has eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and hepatitis B— June 2026 —