Interim Financial Report of the Director for 2008

Abstract

[Overview] With the launching of the Health Agenda for the Americas in 2007, the Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) envisioned a healthier, more equitable Region of the Americas where the people have the opportunity to develop to their full potential. This Agenda is intended to facilitate resource mobilization and to strengthen countries’ commitments in health and actions including achieving their goals as they relate to access to quality health services, reducing the risk and burden of disease, and strengthening the management and development of the health workforce. Although the adoption of the Health Agenda for the Americas by PAHO Member States is an important achievement, its success depends on how effectively the Member States, the Pan American Sanitary Bureau, and the international partners work to achieve these goals. By making strategic planning a central component of the Pan American Sanitary Bureau’s work, the Organization maximizes the impact on improving the health of the peoples of the Americas with the financial resources which are entrusted to it.

During 2008, the Pan American Health Organization mobilized significantly greater financial resources which enabled the Organization to strengthen its efforts to provide a more comprehensive response to countries’ needs and to continue to promote Health for All. The Organization’s total funding reached $718.5 million, which was $181.5 million, or 33.8%, greater than 2006, the first year of the previous biennium. This income reflects the highest level of income for the Organization in any one year. This growth in income resulted from (1) the increased payment of Member States’ current and prior years’ quota assessments, (2) the greater mobilization of voluntary contributions for public health, (3) the increase in procurement of essential public health vaccines and supplies on behalf of the Member States, and (4) the increased funding from the World Health Organization for the Region of the Americas