PAHO stands for the Pan American Health Organization. It is an international health agency that functions as a regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas. PAHO was established on December 2, 1902, making it the oldest international public health organization in the world.
The mission of PAHO is to strengthen national and local health systems, promote and conduct research on health issues, guide and facilitate the exchange of health information and knowledge, provide technical cooperation to member countries, and advocate for the improvement of health policies and practices in the Americas.
PAHO supports its member countries in achieving the highest possible level of health for all their people by advocating for equity in health and development, combating diseases, addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthy living.
The organization collaborates with governments, civil society, and other partners to improve the health of populations in the Americas, focusing on areas such as disease prevention and control, health promotion, emergency preparedness, and organizational capacity building.
PAHO serves as a platform for regional health cooperation, providing technical expertise, resources, and guidance to support countries' efforts in addressing health challenges, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.
Overall, PAHO plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the health of the people in the Americas through its leadership in public health, advocacy, research, and technical cooperation.
