Responding to the Health Situation
The Strategic Plan is based on a comprehensive analysis of health challenges, future opportunities, and the Pan American Sanitary Bureau’s role in driving progress.
SP 2026-2031
Where are we?
CONTEXT
Great strides in improving health and well-being over the past two decades
Elimination of disease, wider access to interventions, and increased life expectancy.
Toll of the pandemic
Region hardest hit worldwide, with many health targets already off track, widening of preexisting gaps and disparities, and reversal of gains.
Growing toll of emergencies on health security
Region's high vulnerability to disasters caused by natural hazards and other public health threats.
Determinants and risk factors
Pervasive conditions that lead to worsened health outcomes, especially for populations in situations of vulnerability.
MEGATRENDS
Demographic
Shifts including improved healthy life expectancy, population aging, declining birth rates, urbanization, migration.
Political
Changes at country, regional, and global level, including crises and geopolitical dynamics.
Economic
Forces that affect growth, poverty, and access to essential inputs.
Environmental
Environmental challenges, including climate change*
Social and cultural
Shifts that have an impact on behaviors and how people access health services.
Technological
Advances in digital transformation and the increasing applications and risks linked to artificial intelligence.
*Subsequent references to “environmental challenges” are understood to include the impact of climate change on health and health systems.
IMPACT ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Gaps in the elimination of communicable diseases
Low coverage of key interventions through integrated primary health care approaches; threat of antimicrobial resistance; and maintaining and increasing vaccination coverage.
Rising burden of NCDs and mental health conditions
NCDs are the leading causes of ill health, disability, and death in the Americas; serious public health issues related to mental health conditions, violence, and injuries.
Health challenges throughout the life course
Persistent challenges in maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality; high rates of unintended adolescent pregnancy; and aging populations.
Deep structural weaknesses in health systems
Longstanding health system challenges, including underinvestment, workforce shortages, and fragmented service delivery.
OUTLOOK AND OPPORTUNITIES
Seize the momentum for health
Strengthening governance, sustaining health financing, and scaling up innovations.
Ensure that health is a foundational pillar of sustainable development
Designing and implementing strategies and interventions centered on health for all as the guiding principle.
Transform to deliver
Modernizing through PAHO Forward—leveraging technology and talent and strengthening accountability and transparency to drive national and regional health impact