PAHO and IDB sign agreement to broaden collaboration

New York, 25 September 2024 — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed a new framework agreement that marks a significant step in their partnership. This agreement enables both PAHO and IDB to broaden their collaboration, which grew considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering a more robust framework for long-term health initiatives in the region.

The expanded partnership will enable a more efficient and impactful response to the diverse health challenges faced by the region. With the new agreement, PAHO will seek to leverage its comparative advantage in delivering technical cooperation, particularly through its Revolving Funds, to enhance health outcomes across Member States.

“We are proud to reaffirm and expand our enduring partnership with the IDB, a collaboration dedicated to improve health across the Americas. Together, we are committed to the sustainable development of our Member States and to build resilient communities throughout the region”, PAHO’s Director Jarbas Barbosa said.

PAHO and the IDB have a long history of cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, regional production of health technologies, disease elimination, primary health care and emergencies. In response to the COVID-19 emergency, approximately US$140 million were mobilized in the past four years to support efforts in countries such as Belize, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua. These funds enabled the implementation of timely technical cooperation activities and the delivery of life-saving health commodities.

“The IDB’s new institutional strategy underscores the importance of partnerships, resource mobilization, and collaboration with other multilateral agencies. By systematically harmonizing and simplifying our frameworks with UN agencies, we will build stronger synergies that accelerate progress toward the sustainable development goals in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Ilan Goldfajn, President of the IDB.

About PAHO

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system.

About IDB

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is an international financial institution focused on the sustainable, environmental and climate friendly development of Latin America and the Caribbean. IDB provides financial and technical support for projects that reduce poverty and inequality by improving education, health, infrastructure, productivity, innovation and economic integration.