Recent news

• PAHO staff meets with Caritas Internationalis representative

  

  On July 17th PAHO staff met with Monsignor Robert J. Vitillo, Head of the International Delegation, Special Advisor on HIV and AIDS for Caritas Internationalis, at its headquarters, in Washington, D.C.  Caritas Internationalis has an official status as an NGO...

• PAHO highlights countries’ progress, challenges in expanding access to HIV treatment

  
  A number of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean—including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua and Uruguay—have made major progress in expanding the availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for people with HIV, saving the lives of thousands and...

• The Region of the Americas is preparing the commemoration of "World Hepatitis Day"

  World Hepatitis Day is commemorated next July 28th. For this reason and, in response to World Health Assembly resolution (WHA 63.18), PAHO is getting ready for the celebration of such event, both in the countries and in Washington DC headquarters, USA.

• The Region of the Americas is preparing the commemoration of "World Hepatitis Day"

  World Hepatitis Day is commemorated next July 28th. For this reason and, in response to World Health Assembly resolution (WHA 63.18), PAHO is getting ready for the celebration of such event, both in the countries and in Washington DC headquarters, USA.

• PAHO calls for a new generation of HIV treatment programs in Latin America and the Caribbean

  

  Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have the highest rates of antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage of any developing region in the world, with an estimated 63 percent of people with HIV who need... 

• In Latin America and the Caribbean, Most TB/HIV Coinfections Remain Undiagnosed

  

  Fewer than half of tuberculosis patients in Latin America and the Caribbean are currently tested for HIV, and people living with HIV are not always screened for TB even if they show symptoms of the disease.

• PAHO, UNICEF Join Forces to Improve Maternal and Child Health in the Americas

  

  The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and UNICEF agreed yesterday (June 29) to work together in the countries of the Americas to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve the health of mothers and children.

• Thirty years after the discovery of AIDS

  

  HIV went from being a fatal disease to a chronic infection by antiretroviral therapy. In 2010, 6.6 million people received treatment in countries of low and middle income.

• Agencies Agree to Support the Initiative to Eliminate Child Transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in the Americas

  

  Several international cooperation agencies agreed on May 25 in Panama to support and promote the Initiative to Eliminate Child Transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis by 2015 in the Region the Americas. (in Spanish)

• International Day Against Homophobia, May 17, 2011

  

  We all have seen lately in the news cases of young people whose lives have been prematurely cut short due to stalking, harassment and homophobic harassment that they have suffered, and that led them to depression, isolation, despair and ultimately suicide. (In Spanish)

• PAHO laments the passing of Dr. Robert Carr, Caribbean human rights advocate

  

  The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) laments the passing of Dr. Robert Carr, the founder of the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) and director of the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO), in Canada, on May 10.

• Award-winning journalists highlight need for syphilis and HIV prevention among pregnant women

  Three journalists whose reporting examines the challenges to reduce congenital syphilis are the winners of the VI Latin American Competition Awards in Health Journalism, organized by the Red-Salud. The three articles highlighted, among other things, the importance of integrating HIV and syphilis in MCH services. (in Spanish)
  

• Guidelines Improve Access of Health Workers to HIV and TB Services

  Health workers in all countries are often exposed to HIV and TB in their work. Many times, though, these workers don't have themselves access to HIV and TB services. The joint PAHO/WHO ILO UNAIDS policy guidelines for improving health workers' access to HIV and TB prevention, treatment, care and support services are intended to change this situation.

• Statement by Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, on World AIDS Day

  “On World AIDS Day 2010, the global community is focusing attention on protecting human rights of all people affected by HIV,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, adding that “WHO is firmly committed to the goal of achieving universal access to key HIV services. However, this will not be possible unless we make sure that the human rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected and promoted.”

• Concurso convocado por la OPS en buenas practicas en la ampliación de la consejería y prueba voluntaria en población HSH en los países andinos (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú y Bolivia)
  La ampliación en el acceso a y la demanda de la prueba voluntaria para VIH es una de las medidas críticas para asegurar un diagnóstico temprano que permita instaurar el tratamiento adecuado para controlar la progresión de la enfermedad. Además, la provisión de acciones de orientación, apoyo (consejería) y educación, junto con la entrega de resultados de la prueba,  contribuyen a lograr el control de la epidemia en cualquier entorno mediante la aplicación de principios de prevención de la transmisión del VIH. En países con epidemias catalogadas como concentradas, es  especialmente importante aumentar el conocimiento de las poblaciones en mayor riesgo (PEMAR) acerca de su estado frente al VIH, ya que actualmente solo un  número reducido de ellas lo conoce.  Las personas que reciben información y orientación junto con los resultados de la prueba, es más probable que reduzcan sus conductas de riesgo.   
• Countries Pledge to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis by 2015

  Representatives of member countries of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) pledged support today for a regional effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis by the year 2015.

• More developing countries show universal access to HIV/AIDS services is possible

  Significant progress has been made in several low- and middle-income countries in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services, according to the new report Towards Universal Access, released by WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS. It is the fourth annual report for tracking progress made in achieving the 2010 target of providing universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care.

• Argentine Project to Strengthen Adherence to HIV Treatment Wins PAHO Award

  The winning experience by Helios Health automatically detects patients who were slow to get their medication and calls them to ensure continuity of treatment. That resulted in increases in the use of antiretrovirals and in the number of people with undetectable viral load and higher defenses. (in Spanish)

• Workshop on comprehensive care to gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM)

  Ciudad Juarez, México, September 7, 2010 (PAHO/WHO).  The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization U.S.-Mexico Border Office (PAHO/WHO) recognizing the importance of primary care services to ensure the health of communities and nations. This time it focuses on physical and mental health of gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), one of the most marginalized groups in Latin American countries. In part due to ignorance, stigma, and homophobia, health services primary health care, typically have not been adequately responsive to the health needs of these men, as well as the existing health centers are not accurate designed or lack the resources to provide the full range of services they need.
  
  

  September 7-10, 2010
  MARIA BONITA HOTEL
  9:00 am to 4:00 pm     
  Av. Parque R. Pérez Serna # 1721
  Magnaplex Industrial, Ciudad Juárez, Chih., México CP 32419
  (Open to media from 9:00-10:30 am on September 7, see agenda attached)

• A Human Rights-based Approach to HIV Prevention. AIDS 2010

  A human rights-based approach to mitigating the extent and effects of the AIDS epidemic, and promoting universal access to HIV services is critical. Although there has been notable progress in many areas, punitive laws, policies, practices, stigma and discrimination continue to undermine the achievement of universal access targets including access to prevention for those who need it and the MDGs related to the right to health.

• Invitation for the Washington D.C. documentary première of "Translatina"

  PAHO/WHO, UNAIDS and Latin@s en Acción invite you to participate in the Washington D.C. première of

   

  Translatina

  When: Thursday, July 29 2010, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  (Welcome and refreshments/appetizers from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the screening of the documentary)
  Where: Pan American Health Organization, 525 Twenty-third Street, N.W., Washington, D.C

  Translatina paints an alarming and enlightening portrait of the realities faced by transgender women in Latin America, group very affected by the HIV epidemic. The result of three years of production, more than 100 hours of filming, and interviews with people from 15 nationalities, this 90-minute documentary provides a realistic look at the challenges faced by transgender women in accessing education, work, justice, health care, and other basic services.

  Translatina also showcases how transgender organizations in Latin America are starting a dialogue with governments to demand justice and services for transgender women.

  Launched in high profile advocacy events all across Latin America, including conferences (Peru, Costa Rica), theaters (Argentina, Panama) and government offices (in El Salvador, in the Ministerio de Gobernación), Translatina has been selected for five international festivals. Sponsoring organizations: PAHO/WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, ILGA, REDLACTRANS and AECID. Director: Felipe de Gregori.

  • “It covers EVERYTHING. At times, it’s difficult to watch.” (Ruby Corado, GBLT Leader)
    
    
  • “It changed my PERSPECTIVE on the issue” (Cristina Torres, Gender Expert)
    
    
  • “Top quality. Needs to be DISSEMINATED” (Ricardo Luque, Head of National AIDS Program, Colombia)

  Translatina in: Facebook - Wikipedia – Fact sheet Spanish – Fact sheet English - Trailer in YouTube

  In Spanish with English subtitles. Please RSVP to sida@paho.org  as space is limited

  Event Sponsors:

  PAHO was established in 1902 and is the world’s oldest public health organization. It works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of the people of the Americas and serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, or UNAIDS, is the main advocate for accelerated, comprehensive and coordinated global action on the HIV epidemic. Lati@s en Acción is a Washington metro area GLBT

• Caribbean countries review progress towards Elimination Initiative

                   

  Caribbean countries review progress towards Elimination Initiative

  Nassau, The Bahamas, June 11 2010 - The Caribbean is making steady progress towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis. This was the key finding of the meeting of 14 Chief Medical Officers (CMO) of the English speaking Caribbean and medical authorities from Haiti and the Dominican Republic which ended in the Bahamas today.

  The meeting reviewed the status of the implementation of strategies towards the elimination of these two diseases in the region. The CMOs met jointly with the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Regional Initiative for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis in the Caribbean. The initiative spearheaded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is also supported by the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP). The Clinton Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) also participated in the meeting.

  Countries presented examples of progress towards achieving the elimination goals, including expanding antenatal care coverage, offering free HIV and syphilis screening and counseling, and the integration of antenatal care, family planning and sexually transmitted infection services. Many challenges still remain including systems to generate reliable information, tracking partners, and greater involvement of men in the prevention of the two diseases.

  The Caribbean region has an estimated 0.9 – 1.2% adult HIV prevalence, the second highest estimated burden of HIV infection in the world. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV constitutes an estimated 8-10% of all HIV transmissions in the region, and the estimated HIV prevalence among pregnant women  is 1.1 percent. Without intervention an estimated 2200 – 3000 children will be born with HIV infection in the Caribbean each year.

  An estimated 32,000 cases of gestational syphilis occur in the Caribbean annually. Without treatment 50-80% of these pregnancies will have adverse outcomes. 

  The goal of the initiative is to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission to less than 2 percent by the year 2015 and to reduce the incidence of congenital syphilis to fewer than 0.5 cases per 1,000 live births, thereby eliminating these diseases as public health problems. The Latin America and Caribbean region is the first to propose the elimination of maternal transmission of these two diseases in an integrated and simultaneous way. 

  For more information: Paulo Lyra, lyrapaul@paho.org, Pan American Health Organization

• Contest Registration on Best Practices in the Management of Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment in Latin America and the Caribbean (due June 22)

  Washington, D.C, 19 May 2010 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization has launched a competition on successful experiences in the management of the compliance with the antiretroviral therapies in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

  The contest is open up to 22 June 2010, which was extended from the original due date 14 June for Caribbean participants.   The objective of this competition is to collect and disseminate positive experiences in the evaluation and improvement of the adherence in different centers of health care of HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean.   The information will permit to identify and disseminate good clinical practice that results in an improvement of the attention and of the quality of life of men and women who receive antiretroviral therapy in the Region.  

  In this competition the best experience will be selected and rewarded.   The author of the project selected as the better experience will receive an award consisting of a 5 days internship in PAHO Headquarters/WHO in Washington, D.C. During the internship, the winner should put forward the work detailing the same and will participate in the design of a proposal of implementation of similar activities in other areas.  

  We appreciate disseminating the information regarding this competition to members, counterparts, and other interested parties in order to ensure a broad participation.

  Click here for more information on how to participate

• Nominations are Open for the Sixth Latin American Prize for Health Journalism

  The Sixth Latin American Health Journalism Awards of Red-Salud ("Health Network") is now receiving nominations. Journalists may compete in two categories: "Urbanism and Health" and "Congenital Syphilis." The awards aim to give visibility to the work of journalists who help inform and sensitize society on critical health issues. (in Spanish)

• PAHO and Caribbean countries working to strengthen subregional cooperation strategies

  As part of an official visit to this country, which coincided with the holding of the Caribbean Sub-regional Managers’ Meeting, PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses Periago met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Honorable Bruce Golding, at Jamaica House.

• The Americas Pledge to Eliminate Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission and Congenital Syphilis by 2015

  Health authorities, experts on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and family health professionals today launched a commitment to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis in Latin America and the Caribbean by the year 2015. HIV and syphilis are both significant public health problems in Latin America and the Caribbean.

• PAHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS highlight challenges in responding to HIV epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean

  In the V Latin American and Caribbean Forum on HIV/AIDS and STIs, the three organizations presented the publication "Challenges posed by the HIV epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean 2009", a document that outlines the main findings, challenges and recommendations for guaranteeing access to treatment, care and adequate support for all persons with HIV.

• World AIDS Day 2009 highlights significant progress, clear challenges

  World AIDS Day, celebrated this December 1 with the theme "Universal Access and Human Rights," highlights both the progress and the challenges remaining in the fight against HIV/AIDS. While there are significant success stories, reversing the epidemic will still require a lot of effort.

• Latin American Journalists Honored for Reporting on Sex Workers' Health

  Three journalists whose reporting humanizes the experiences of sex workers have won the top three prizes in the Fifth Latin American Health Journalism Awards of Red-Salud ("Health Network"). The awards are designed to motivate Latin American journalists to do more and better reporting on health-related issues.

• Countries of the Americas Promote Sex Education to Prevent HIV

  A year after top health and education officials from Latin America and the Caribbean joined together to endorse comprehensive, evidenced-based sex education as a pillar of HIV prevention, supporters point to progress in promoting this approach.

• Experts Call for Better Health Services for Men who Have Sex with Men

  Health services in Latin America and the Caribbean need to increase funding, improve access, and eliminate discrimination against homosexual men and other men who have sex with men, if they are to effectively address the health needs of this unique population, said public health experts, government authorities, and representatives of civil society gathered in Panama this week.

• Ministers of Health approve strategy to improve health of adolescents and young adults

  (Text available only in Spanish)

  

  The public health authorities of the Region of the Americas reached a consensus on their determination to promote strategies and programs focused on the health and development of adolescents and young adults.