Brazilian Dr. Jarbas Barbosa was sworn in on Tuesday as the new director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), pledging to work in partnership with member states to end the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and ensure the region’s health systems recover stronger than before. He will take office on February 1.
“Countries in the Americas face a complex epidemiological landscape, with the stubborn persistence of communicable diseases, the risk of outbreaks and epidemics, the rise of non-communicable diseases, the damage caused by traffic accidents and violence, and the impacts of climate change,” said Barbosa.
“We need strong, resilient health systems that can perform all the essential public health functions adequately,” said Barbosa, who formerly served as assistant director at PAHO, and succeeds Dominica-born Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, who served two five-year terms.
“As I hand over this office and hand the steering wheel over to my esteemed friend and colleague, Jarbas, I am confident that the future of the organization will be in good hands as you will bring to your new role exceptional technical expertise, astute policy making skills, together with pragmatism and wisdom from your many years of experience gained in your home country of Brazil as well as internationally,” said Dr. Etienne.
Dr. Barbosa was sworn in at a ceremony held at the Organization of American States (OAS).
PAHO is the specialized international health agency for the inter-American system and regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO).
In his address, Dr. Barbosa made reference to the “significant inequalities between and within countries” and to ensure post-pandemic recovery and preparedness, said his tenure will focus on five strategic pillars:
He said this will be to end the pandemic with the tools countries have at hand, including surveillance and vaccines, apply the lessons learned from the pandemic to prepare for future health emergencies
“I will work tirelessly to ensure that PAHO maintains all of its many achievements to date, renewing itself every step of the way, always building networks and working as a bridge for understanding, solidarity and innovation,” the Brazil-born PAHO director said.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of universal health to both the public and heads of state like never before.
Brazil’s Minister of Health, Nisia Trindade Lima, described Dr. Barbosa as a thinker as well as a builder, somebody who transforms ideas into lasting intuitional practices.
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