The Pan American Health Organisation will join global efforts to advance pandemic prevention, preparedness and response during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

PAHO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international health cooperation in the Americas. The second high-level meeting on PPPR is scheduled for September 25.
PAHO, in a statement on Wednesday, said strengthening pandemic preparedness remains critical for the Americas.

For the Americas, strengthening pandemic preparedness remains critical as countries continue to face emerging and re-emerging health threats while building more resilient health systems and strengthening health security.

The assembly comes at a pivotal moment for global health, as countries continue to navigate health emergencies, economic pressures, climate-related threats and declining development assistance while strengthening health systems and protecting populations from future risks.

Against this backdrop, the high-level meeting on PPPR will focus on how countries can sustain preparedness efforts in an increasingly constrained global financing environment.

PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa will participate in a series of high-level events throughout UNGA week, highlighting the experience and priorities of the Americas and the importance of sustained investment, strong health systems and regional and international cooperation to strengthen pandemic preparedness and global health security.

The second UN high-level meeting on PPPR will provide an opportunity to review progress since the first meeting in 2023. It will also renew political commitment to prevent future pandemics through international cooperation.

The discussions will take place as countries advance implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, strengthen the International Health Regulations, and pursue other global commitments to improve pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

In the Americas, many of the capacities needed to prepare for future pandemics are the same ones countries rely on every day to protect health, including disease surveillance, laboratory networks, primary health care, infection prevention and control and resilient health systems.

“Pandemic prevention and preparedness cannot be built only when an emergency occurs. It requires sustained investment in the health systems, laboratories, surveillance and public health capacities that countries need every day,” Mr Barbosa said.

(NAN)