New PAHO director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa sworn into workplace

Brazilian Dr. Jarbas Barbosa was sworn in on Tuesday as the brand new director of the Pan American Well being Group (PAHO), pledging to work in partnership with member states to finish the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and make sure the area’s well being techniques recuperate stronger than earlier than. He’ll take workplace on February 1.

“Nations within the Americas face a posh epidemiological panorama, with the cussed persistence of communicable illnesses, the chance of outbreaks and epidemics, the rise of non-communicable illnesses, the harm attributable to site visitors accidents and violence, and the impacts of local weather change,” mentioned Barbosa.

“We’d like robust, resilient well being techniques that may carry out all of the important public well being capabilities adequately,” mentioned Barbosa, who previously served as assistant director at PAHO, and succeeds Dominica-born Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, who served two five-year phrases.

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“As I hand over this workplace and hand the steering wheel over to my esteemed good friend and colleague, Jarbas, I’m assured that the way forward for the group will probably be in good palms as you’ll convey to your new position distinctive technical experience, astute coverage making expertise, along with pragmatism and knowledge out of your a few years of expertise gained in your house nation of Brazil in addition to internationally,” mentioned Dr. Etienne.

Dr. Barbosa was sworn in at a ceremony held on the Group of American States (OAS).

PAHO is the specialised worldwide well being company for the inter-American system and regional workplace for the Americas of the World Well being Group (WHO).

In his handle, Dr. Barbosa made reference to the “important inequalities between and inside nations” and to make sure post-pandemic restoration and preparedness, mentioned his tenure will give attention to 5 strategic pillars:

He mentioned this will probably be to finish the pandemic with the instruments nations have at hand, together with surveillance and vaccines, apply the teachings realized from the pandemic to organize for future well being emergencies

“I’ll work tirelessly to make sure that PAHO maintains all of its many achievements so far, renewing itself each step of the best way, at all times constructing networks and dealing as a bridge for understanding, solidarity and innovation,” the Brazil-born PAHO director mentioned.

He mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of common well being to each the general public and heads of state like by no means earlier than.

Brazil’s Minister of Well being, Nisia Trindade Lima, described Dr. Barbosa as a thinker in addition to a builder, any person who transforms concepts into lasting intuitional practices.

CMC/