Meeting with PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centres in Canada as part of the official visit of Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr. Summary report. 9 April 2024, Ottawa, Canada

Abstract

The meeting with PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centres in Canada as part of the Official Visit of Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr (Ottawa, Canada, 9 April 2024) represented a significant step in the technical cooperation in the region of the Americas, focusing on enhancing cooperation and resilience in health systems. Discussions centered on strategic pandemic response, regulatory capacity building, particularly in pharmaceuticals, and leveraging PAHO/WHO as an information hub. Key topics included Digital Transformation, One Health, and the Elimination Initiative for communicable diseases, emphasizing ethical use of artificial intelligence, generation of evidence, innovation, and tailored strategies. The meeting highlighted the need for innovative health workforce development, transparent algorithms for equity, and integrating new priorities for stronger health systems and outcomes. The commitment to technical cooperation and support for Member States aims to address various health challenges and promote universal health coverage. PAHO/WHO express its appreciation to the efforts and commitment of the twenty-eight PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centres in Canada (May 2024).