Washington, D.C., 2 August 2012 (PAHO/WHO) — The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and RAD-AID International, a nonprofit organization have formed a new partnership to improve the availability and quality of the radiological health services in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This joint collaboration includes the use of the RAD-AID’s Radiology-Readiness Assessment Tool in Latin America and the Caribbean to systematically evaluate radiology services in the region.  This assessment tool aims to better analyze the regional needs for radiological services, including equipment, staff, and infrastructure, in order to provide technical cooperation and to optimize future planning of radiology and medical imaging.

Furthermore, the new partnership enables RAD-AID and PAHO/WHO to collaborate in creating radiology training programs, developing radiology education materials for health personnel, coordinating international radiology assessments for technical assistance, and increasing data collection for radiology's vital role in public health outcomes.

An initial joint project that consists of an educational workshop and hands-on training in radiology and obstetric care will be in Haiti.  In addition, both organizations agreed to increase the staff in order to work on the various objectives. 

RAD-AID International is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to improving the availability, quality and safety of radiological health services in developing countries.

PAHO, which celebrates its 110th anniversary this year, is the oldest public health organization in the world. It works with its member countries to improve the health and the quality of life of the people of the Americas. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of WHO.

LINKS:

• PAHO/Radiological Health
• RAD-AID