WASHINGTON, DC– The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a five-year strategic plan that sets out a “bold agenda” towards advancing health and well-being across the Americas, including the Caribbean.
(PAHO Photo)The 2026-31 strategic plan approved at the ongoing PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, under the theme “Together toward a Healthier Americas for All,” followed extensive consultations with countries and stakeholders, and commits to transformative health outcomes over the next six years, tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, health security, fragmented health systems and services, and the elimination of communicable diseases, amongst others.
“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that the Region of the Americas is stronger when we work together,” said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.
“This strategic plan harnesses our collective strength to build resilient health systems, reduce disease burden, and improve health and well-being for all across the Americas,” he added.
PAHO said that the plan builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in health systems while highlighting the power of joint action. It targets measurable impacts in countries, such as reducing maternal mortality, reversing rising suicide rates, and eliminating diseases like leprosy and Chagas.
At the heart of the strategic plan are five strategic objectives that will guide regional health action through 2031, namely accelerating efforts toward health for all, addressing the social determinants of health, environmental challenges, and risk factors as well as building resilient health systems for universal access to health and universal health coverage based on primary health care.
It is also intended to accelerate the disease elimination agenda and better prevent and treat communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and mental health conditions, prevent, prepare, detect, and respond better to health emergencies and bolster the leadership, governance, and performance of PAHO to advance the regional health agenda and deliver technical cooperation that drives public health impact in countries.
PAHO said that the 2026–2031 plan introduces an integrated approach to health for all and features an updated results-based management framework and a streamlined results framework.
It reduces the number of outcomes and indicators while enhancing measurability and transparency.
“Indicators with realistic, evidence-based targets will sharpen our focus and enable PAHO and its Member States to work towards tangible health outcomes,” Dr Barbosa added.
To accelerate impact, the plan’s streamlined results framework with evidence-based indicators is supported by high-impact interventions, or “accelerators,” to drive measurable progress and systemic transformation across multiple impact targets and dimensions of health development.
Accelerators build on existing frameworks and proven methods, offering tangible opportunities to scale up interventions rapidly and effectively. Finally, the Plan includes mechanisms for agile and transparent adjustments in response to evolving circumstances.
The PAHO director thanked member states for their collaboration in developing and approving the plan, saying it signals a “renewed regional cooperation” and affirms countries’ commitment to improving health and well-being for all.
“By working together, we can overcome current challenges and accelerate progress toward health for all people in the Americas,” he added.
Meanwhile, PAHO has also unveiled a sculpture paying tribute to the health workers of the Americas for their resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic that left a deep mark with more than three million deaths in the region, representing approximately 43 per cent of the global toll.
“This sculpture is a profound expression of gratitude, remembrance, and solidarity. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor those who sustained us during one of the most devastating health challenges of our time,” said Dr. Barbosa.
PAHO said during the emergency, overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of essential supplies pushed health systems to the brink of collapse. Nevertheless, the response of health personnel was exemplary. In addition to their work in hospitals and intensive care units, health professionals maintained the continuity of essential services: administering vaccines, delivering medicines, and ensuring care for priority groups such as children, pregnant women, and older adults.
Dr. Barbosa said the recognition is dedicated to all health workers in the region, including nurses, doctors, technicians, and volunteers, who “demonstrate every day that their knowledge, skills, heart, and spirit are devoted to protecting people, especially when they most need to regain their health and well-being.”
The tribute also recalled the leadership of the late Dominican, Dr. Carissa Etienne, former PAHO Director, who guided the organization’s response to the pandemic with timely decisions focused on protecting health workers.
The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of the courage and humanity demonstrated during the pandemic and as a call to strengthen health systems in preparation to face future challenges.
The design of the piece reflects PAHO’s institutional values—equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity—and symbolizes the interdependence of all health workers on the frontlines of combating disease.
The piece was originally conceived in 2006 for World Health Day by artist Gilles Collette, who used to work for PAHO. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed timely to transform this symbol into a three-dimensional bronze sculpture, reigniting its message as a tribute to health workers across the Americas.
