CORONAVIRUSPANDEMIC AGREEMENTPANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS
Following an outbreak of a novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China, rapid community, regional and international spread has occurred with exponential growth in cases and deaths. On 30 January 2020, the Director-General (DG) of WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). The first case in the Americas was confirmed in the USA on 20 January 2020 and Brazil reported the first case for Latin America and the Caribbean on 26 February 2020. Since then, COVID-19 has spread to 50 countries and territories in the Americas.
On 4 May 2023, the WHO Director-Generalconcurredwith the advice offered by theIHR Emergency Committeeregarding the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
However, COVID-19 still represents a global health threat. We should not let down our guard, is important to keep vaccinating vulnerable groups and strengthen surveillance. It is also time to focus on preparing better for future emergencies and rebuilding better for a healthier and sustainable future. View WHO statement
REGIONAL COVID-19 DATA EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ALERTS AND UPDATES
Highlights
WHO Member States agreed to establish a future pandemic agreement
WHO Member States agreed to establish anIntergovernmental Negotiating Body(INB) to draft and negotiate a new convention, agreement, or other international health instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The instrumentis expected to help ensure that health personnel worldwide are better equipped for the next pandemic, and that the production and distribution of vaccines and other medical products is more equitable. It also aims to ensure effective early detection and response measures against potential pandemic pathogens, and to improve the response capabilities of health, laboratory and research services, among other objectives.
This Member State-led process is facilitated through theWorking Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005)(WGIHR), which runs in parallel to the INB.
PAHO has convened two Regional meetings toensure that the most relevant national authorities are adequately informed regarding the INB and WGIHR key components, documents, deliberations, expected results, and to offer Member States elements for a meaningful participation in both processes.
Variants
COVID-19 Vaccines
Genomic Surveillance
Contact Tracing
COVAX Tracker
Report of the External Evaluation of PAHO’s Response to COVID-19
An independent evaluation was commissioned to assess the Pan American Sanitary Bureau’s overallperformance between January 2020 and August 2022 regarding its preparedness for and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thefinal reportof this external evaluation presented eight evidence-based recommendations for action to strengthen PAHO’s future response to health emergencies.
Read this 2-page document highlighting key findings recommendations, and conclusions.
VIEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Full Report:Volume 1 Volume 2
Action Plan for Implementation of Recommendations from the Evaluation of PAHO's Response to COVID-19. IREP-C19
The proposed plan includes the methodology, key actions, expected results, and responsible entities for implementing these recommendations. Consult the Action Plan from theImplementation of Recommendations from the Evaluation on PAHO’s Response to COVID-19(IREP-C19) for further details.
The IREP-C19 Action Plan results from coordinating subgroup leads, co-leads, and focal points’ active participation and contribution across the Organization.
VIEW IREP C19 ACTION PLAN
PAHO Emergency Appeal 2024
The Region of the Americas (AMRO) Region faces multifaceted health and humanitarian challenges and is extremely vulnerable to natural hazards, particularly climate-driven disasters including hurricanes, floods, and droughts. These events pose significant challenges to health facilities, including infrastructure damage, contamination of water supplies, and the disruption of health services, leading to increased vulnerability to diseases and other health emergencies. The health assistance priorities in the region of the Americas for 2024 revolve around strengthening local health systems to ensure access to essential healthcare services, and to support capacities to rapidly and adequately respond to health emergencies.
From emergency response to long-term COVID-19 disease management: sustaining gains made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
View the report
News
Pandemic preparedness and response, equity among key topics for the Americas at Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly
PAHO study sheds light on perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine among Colombian Indigenous communities
With Canadian and US support, Trinidad and Tobago tackles vaccine hesitancy
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Regional Stories
No power, no problem – Preserving the cold chain in Trinidad and Tobago
How Honduras succeeded in performing genomic sequencing for the first time
Providing information about COVID-19 vaccines to the rhythm of hip-hop
Wastewater offers clues to emerging diseases
- More
Country Stories
Jamaican grandmother living with AIDS supports women’s mental health during COVID-19
Suriname Nursing School Embraces Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic
Native doctor promotes COVID-19 vaccination in Tolupán villages in Honduras
Building COVID-19 Testing and Surveillance across Jamaica
Events
View Events
Occupational health in the context of COVID-19 and beyond
23 Nov 2022 - 23 Nov 2022
People with disabilities and COVID-19 in the Americas: past, present and future (Webinar 1)
1 Nov 2022 - 1 Nov 2022
Respiratory Protection Programs in the context of COVID-19 and beyond
27 Oct 2022 - 27 Oct 2022
- More
Documents
All
Monthly COVID-19 Epidemiological Update - Region of the Americas - 02 August 2023
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Health Workers Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines in Latin America
Updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts, 30 March 2023
PAHO Biweekly COVID-19 Epidemiological Update - 19 April 2023
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Communications Materials
All
Abstract Table - Update of the WHO Recommendations for Vaccination Against COVID-19
Infographic - Update of the WHO Recommendations for Vaccination Against COVID-19
Highlights from the Report of the External Evaluation of PAHO’s Response to COVID-19
Update of the WHO recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19 - Infographic
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