Ambassador Javier Sancho Velázquez, Spain’s representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), signs an agreement with PAHO Director Mirta Roses providing 12.5 million Euros (nearly $18 million) over 12 months to improve public health in Latin America and the Caribbean.

[PAHO HQ. Washington DC. 1 February 2011.]

The funds, from the Government of Spain, will help PAHO carry out projects and programs that seek to expand access to health care and essential medicines, improve health policies, promote prevention, fight neglected diseases, strengthen human resources for health, encourage research, and improve the financing, organization and delivery of health services.

The current agreement extends a multiyear memorandum of understanding originally signed in 2007.

Spain has supported PAHO’s technical cooperation programs in Latin America and the Caribbean since becoming a PAHO Observer State in 1980.

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For more information, contact Office of the Director, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO)