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Work to develop a COVID-19 vaccine is faster than ever but safety and efficacy processes remain unchanged, PAHO Director says

Work to develop a COVID-19 vaccine is faster than ever but safety and efficacy processes remain unchanged, PAHO Director says

However, while spikes in cases continue in the Region, countries must ensure a sustained response until a vaccine arrives.   Washington D.C., October 21, 2020 (PAHO) – While the Americas urgently awaits a breakthrough, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will only support the distribution of a vaccine that has proven to be safe and effective in…

New rapid antigen tests could transform COVID-19 response in the Americas 

New rapid antigen tests could transform COVID-19 response in the Americas 

PAHO conducting pilot studies in four countries to help make the most of these new diagnostics. Millions of these tests will be made available to countries of the Region at an accessible price via PAHO’s Strategic Fund   Washington D.C., October 14, 2020 (PAHO) – The new affordable, reliable antigen diagnostic tests recently approved by WHO that can be performed…

PAHO and IOM sign agreement to improve the health of 70 million migrants in the Americas

PAHO and IOM sign agreement to improve the health of 70 million migrants in the Americas

The agreement will focus on increasing and scaling-up interventions that address barriers to health care and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on migrant populations.  Washington D.C., October 9, 2020 (PAHO) – More than 70 million migrants living across international borders in the Region of the Americas are set to benefit from a joint agreement signed today…

Some countries showing spikes in COVID-19 transmission, especially among young people: PAHO

Some countries showing spikes in COVID-19 transmission, especially among young people: PAHO

While Brazil and the US remain significant drivers of new cases, over the past 60 days, 11 countries and territories in the Caribbean have moved from moderate to intense transmission.    Washington D.C., October 7, 2020 (PAHO) – Transmission of COVID19 in the Americas remains very active, with some countries suffering recurrent spikes in cases and the…

Health Ministers commit to maintain, expand sustained actions to fight COVID-19 pandemic 

Health Ministers commit to maintain, expand sustained actions to fight COVID-19 pandemic 

The Americas will most likely experience recurring epidemic waves and outbreaks of COVID-19, interspersed with periods of low-level transmission over the next 24 months, pending a safe vaccine     Washington, D.C., 30 September 2020 (PAHO/WHO) – Health ministers from countries in the Americas yesterday committed to maintain and expand sustained actions to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and asked the…

PAHO has led regional response to COVID-19 while striving to protect long-term health gains  

PAHO has led regional response to COVID-19 while striving to protect long-term health gains  

Washington, D.C., 28 Sept. 2020 (PAHO/WHO) – Since well before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a key area of the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) technical cooperation was building its member countries’ capacities to prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks and epidemics. Since the pandemic arrived in the Americas, PAHO has continued that work…

Health Ministers’ meeting kicks off with call for unity, solidarity to face COVID-19 pandemic in the Americas 

Health Ministers’ meeting kicks off with call for unity, solidarity to face COVID-19 pandemic in the Americas 

Health authorities discuss effects of COVID-19 and strategies to combat the pandemic at virtual PAHO Directing Council meeting    Washington, D.C., 28 September 2020 (PAHO/WHO) – Countries must cooperate to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt, innovate and reorient public health work, the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne said today…

Ministers of Health of the Americas will meet virtually in PAHO’s Directing Council to address health priorities

Ministers of Health of the Americas will meet virtually in PAHO’s Directing Council to address health priorities

Health authorities will discuss the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges on Sept.28-29. Colombia’s President Ivan Duque and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley are among the officials scheduled to open the virtual event.    Washington, D.C., 25 September 2020 (PAHO/WHO) –  Ministers of Health and other senior authorities from countries and territories will meet…