WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says the 178th Session of its Executive Committee has concluded after four days of discussions on the region’s “most pressing public health priorities”, with member states approving a series of strategies, plans of action and resolutions that will help strengthen health systems, improve preparedness for health emergencies, and expand access to essential health services across the Americas, including the Caribbean.

Throughout the week, delegates reviewed the organisation’s technical and financial priorities, and agreed on measures to advance regional cooperation in areas including health emergency preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, arboviral diseases, food safety, and access to vaccines, medicines and other strategic health supplies through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds.

In total, PAHO said the Executive Committee considered 41 agenda items, approved 13 resolutions, adopted four policy documents, and reviewed seven progress reports and four final reports.