PAHO Forward | PAHO Annual Report 2025

PAHO Forward is an Organization-wide initiative launched in April 2023 to modernize how PAHO operates. The goal is to make the Organization more efficient, transparent, and accountable so it can better serve Member States.

The initiative works through annual action plans with specific, measurable goals. After completing the first two cycles – PAHO Forward 1.0 (2023–2024) and PAHO Forward 2.0 (2024–2025) – the initiative has achieved 86% of its 151 expected results, demonstrating sustained institutional commitment to continuous improvement.

Three guiding principles

1. Efficiency

Streamlining processes and reducing costs to maximize resources for health programs

2. Transparency

Making information accessible to Member States and the public.

3. Accountability

Ensuring clear responsibility for results and continuous improvement

Key achievements in 2025:

Improved cash management
USD 7.3 million in savings
Improved cash management and competitive foreign exchange transactions generated USD 7.3 million in additional savings between April 2024 and November 2025 – resources now available for health programs.

A more transparent organization
Increased by 30% the number of internal audits performed, and 28 internal audits reports are available at the request of Member States.

AI-powered operations PAHO adopted artificial intelligence tools across the Organization to support procurement, draft documents, and answer staff questions. A new HR chatbot launched in April 2025 has handled over 1100 sessions, with 84% of queries successfully resolved.

99% of procurement handled locally
Country Offices now manage virtually all purchasing decisions. Only 72 of 17 636 transactions (0.4%) required review by headquarters – empowering offices to respond faster to local needs.

Greener operations
PAHO established its first carbon emissions baseline covering all 27 country offices and headquarters. The office in Brazil has now been running on 100% solar energy since February 2025.

Stronger country partnerships
Nine Country Cooperation Strategies were signed in 2025 with Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago. Three subregional strategies now guide work in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Broader alliances
Catalyzing innovation for global health, PAHO signed agreements with 24 new financial partners (2024 – June 2025) and 27 new nonfinancial partners (2024).

People Strategy 3.0 launched
A new strategy for staff development was released in November 2025, with an oversight panel including representatives from country offices, headquarters, and the Staff Association to ensure transparency and track progress.

Planning, budget, and evaluation portal launched
A new online tool now provides easier access to information on how PAHO plans, budgets, and evaluates its work – strengthening accountability to Member States.

Recognition of expertise
Thirty-nine long-serving staff members were formally recognized for their expertise and commitment through a new senior expertise recognition program, honoring the institutional knowledge they bring to PAHO’s mission.

Looking ahead: PAHO Forward 3.0

September 2025 – August 2026

The third phase of PAHO Forward focuses on innovation and deeper institutional transformation through 34 planned actions.

Key priorities include:

Shared services hub: Improving efficiencies thought modernization and offshoring/outsourcing to low-cost locations
AI innovation laboratory: Testing new applications of artificial intelligence for public health, including “agentic AI” – systems that can autonomously handle routine tasks like procurement logistics
Accountability framework: Finalizing a comprehensive system to track results and ensure clear responsibility across the Organization
Short-term developmental assignments: A new program allowing staff to gain experience across different areas of the Organization
Timely investigations: A new case management system to handle integrity concerns more efficiently

The PAHO Forward Plan of Action 3.0:

An Organization-wide approach to strengthening efficiency, transparency, and accountability

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Why this matters

Every dollar saved through better management is a dollar available for vaccines, training, and technical support for our Member States. Every day reduced in the hiring process means faster deployment of technical expertise to countries in need. PAHO Forward ensures that operational excellence translates into better health outcomes across the Americas.