To achieve this outcome, PASB will work with countries, territories, and partners to ensure early detection of potential emergencies and the provision of essential life-saving health services to emergency- and disaster-affected populations. Early detection, risk assessment, information sharing, and rapid response are essential to reduce illness, injury, death, and large-scale economic loss. To achieve this outcome, it is essential that PASB provide authoritative information for public health decision making in emergencies and disasters, including through actions such as identifying acute public health events, assessing risks to public health, conducting epidemiological surveillance and field investigations, monitoring public health interventions and operational capacities of health care services and facilities, and communicating public health information to technical partners.

A major focus in this area is working with countries, territories, and partners to implement response and early recovery operations. This includes providing essential health services and technologies to address new health issues associated with emergencies and disasters, as well as with preexisting health needs, focusing on groups in conditions of vulnerability. Key actions include coordination of the PAHO response team, emergency medical teams, the regional Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) network, and other partners; development of strategic response plans and joint operational planning; operational support and logistics; emergency crisis and risk communication; and activation of emergency response mechanisms in accordance with the PAHO/WHO Policy and Key Procedures on the Institutional Response to Emergencies and Disasters, underpinned by full support to the Incident Management System, consistent with the International Health Regulations (2005).

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