Work toward this outcome seeks to ensure that all countries and territories in the Region are prepared and ready to manage the health impact of emergencies and disasters caused by any type of hazard. PASB will work with countries, territories, and partners to increase their capacities in all phases of emergency management through implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR).

PASB will work collaboratively to progressively strengthen the capacity of national and subnational levels and local communities to reduce and manage health emergencies using an all-hazards approach and by building strong people-centered and public health-oriented health systems, institutions, and networks. Support will focus on increasing the sustainability of the essential public health functions, the corresponding IHR core capacities, and the SFDRR priorities for action. Interventions will target institutional planning, organization, financing, and coordination mechanisms to enhance the development and streamlining of a national suite of legal instruments, policies, plans, and standard operating procedures encompassing all hazards in an interoperable manner. They will also target development of action-oriented frameworks that governments and relevant stakeholders can implement in a supportive and complementary manner and that facilitate identification of risks to be managed, with corresponding investments to build resilience. PASB will promote compliance with IHR provisions related to reporting to the World Health Assembly, and the adoption and monitoring of benchmarks for health emergencies and disaster preparedness. Emphasis will also be placed on increasing the operational readiness of countries and territories in high-risk conditions; increasing PASB’s preparedness; implementing new and existing initiatives and plans of action, including Safe and Smart Hospitals initiatives; identifying and implementing inclusive strategies, particularly for groups in conditions of vulnerability; and ensuring the fundamental role and participation of both women and men.

PASB’s work to build country preparedness relies on inter-programmatic work within the Bureau, involving the areas of universal health, health systems strengthening, antimicrobial resistance, maternal and child health, nutrition, and noncommunicable diseases, as well as disease-specific programs (such as those dealing with polio and arbovirus diseases), among others.

Achievement of this outcome will result in the protection and promotion of the physical, mental, and social well-being of populations, including the most vulnerable ones. It will also increase the resilience of the health systems, allowing for continuous operation and rapid recovery from health emergencies and disasters. The establishment of strategic alliances with political and administrative authorities, public and private entities, nongovernmental organizations, civil society, and all other sectors is key to achieving this outcome. Also important is the development of a regional culture of prevention, preparedness, and mitigation of health emergencies and disasters that incorporates the rights and contributions of individuals, families, and communities.

Note: For further details on the scope of this Outcome, please refer to the PAHO Strategic Plan 20-25 Document.