America’s Health Authorities Expand PAHO Funds to Boost Regional Self-Sufficiency and Innovation

Top health authorities in the Americas have agreed on a resolution to grant greater flexibility to the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Regional Revolving Funds, aiming to accelerate access to health technologies. These measures are intended to enhance regional self-sufficiency by supporting local production of health supplies and fostering innovation, particularly in response to emergencies and outbreaks.

The resolution outlines that a portion of the funds collected by the Regional Revolving Funds will be directed toward incentivizing local production and innovation projects. This includes the establishment of supply agreements that ensure rapid access to medical supplies, strengthening the region’s capacity to respond to emergencies. The initiative also proposes the creation of a regional reserve of critical medicines to minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions and lower transportation costs, particularly benefiting small island nations.

These steps are a response to the strategic priorities of the Americas in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing regional producers with the foundation to manufacture medicines, vaccines, and other essential health technologies.

Santiago Cornejo, Executive Manager of the PAHO Regional Revolving Funds, emphasized that the lessons learned from the pandemic underscore the importance of supporting regional production to build a more resilient region and foster economic growth. He noted that such support should extend beyond times of crisis to ensure long-term sustainability.

The PAHO Regional Revolving Funds, which consolidate the vaccine and medical supply needs of 42 countries, have long benefited local and global producers by providing a predictable demand throughout the year. This mechanism, created 45 years ago, serves as a model for other regions, including Africa and the Middle East, looking to replicate its benefits.

The funds, comprising the Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines and the Strategic Fund for Health Supplies, are part of PAHO’s technical cooperation with its Member States. With over 60 years of combined experience, these funds enable countries in the region to access high-quality public health supplies at affordable prices and in a timely manner, thanks to the consolidation of regional demand and joint procurement based on technical recommendations.

Have you read?
World’s Best Countries For Retirement.
World’s Best Countries For Women.
World’s Best Countries To Visit In Your Lifetime.
US States With the Largest Gender Pay Gaps.
CEOs who have secured the most funding during their tenure in companies in each US state.