Financial Report of the Director and Report of the External Auditor for 2008-2009

Abstract

[Overview] During the 2008-2009 biennium, the Organization faced enormous challenges, including the arrival of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus. The strong commitment to health by the Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the increase in resource mobilization have enabled the Organization to face challenges of this magnitude, and to continue promoting social protection and equitable access to quality health services. In particular, the increase in financial resources allowed the Organization to make a significant contribution to the Region’s decisive and effective response to combat the new influenza A(H1N1) virus. The Organization maintained its commitment to protecting public health achievements, tackling the unfinished agenda, and preparing for present and future challenges in health. With the continued financial support of Member States, PAHO is well positioned to focus on preparedness, prevention, and solidarity in the design of evidence-based health policies and the utilization of integrated health networks to make very efficient and effective use of the limited resources allocated to public health. The Organization’s total funding in 2008-2009 reached $1.45 billion, $291.5 million greater than 2006-2007, and the highest level of income for the Organization in its history. This increased income resulted mainly from (1) the increase in receipt of funds for the purchase of essential public health vaccines and supplies on behalf of the Member States, (2) the greater mobilization of voluntary contributions for public health, and (3) the increased funding from the World Health Organization for the Region of the Americas. The Organization received the second highest level of quota assessment payments in over ten years with current 2008-2009 biennium quota assessment receipts reaching $158.9 million and the payment of arrearages reaching $35.4 million. Voluntary contributions for public health reached $325.4 million, $34.6 million higher than the 2006-2007 level. The most striking increase in financial resources occurred in the Organization’s procurement activities on behalf of Member States which grew from a cumulative total of $338.9 million in 2004-2005 to $513.7 million in 2006-2007 to $745.7 million in 2008-2009, in part due to the increase in resources for purchases of influenza vaccines. The level of resources for the Organization’s three Procurement Funds represents over 51% of the Organization’s total funding. The Organization received and implemented a total of $144.4 million from the World Health Organization, an increase of $24.6 million over the last biennium.