PAHO/WHO partners in global effort for pandemic prevention and preparedness at UNGA

PAHO joins global efforts to advance pandemic prevention

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is participating in a series of events to share the experience and priorities of the Americas region.

Washington, D.C., September 16, 2026 (PAHO) –

PAHO will join global efforts to advance pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as countries and partners prepare for the Second High-Level Meeting on PPPR on September 25.

Strengthening pandemic preparedness remains critical for the Americas as countries face emerging and re-emerging health threats while working to build more resilient health systems and strengthen health security.

The High-Level Meeting on PPPR will focus on sustaining and strengthening preparedness efforts in an increasingly constrained global financing environment.

PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa will participate in high-level events throughout UNGA week, highlighting the experience and priorities of the Americas, emphasizing sustained investment, strong health systems, and regional and international cooperation to strengthen pandemic preparedness and global health security.

The second UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response will review progress since 2023 and renew political commitment to prevent future pandemics through international cooperation. Discussions will focus on implementing the WHO Pandemic Agreement, strengthening the International Health Regulations, and pursuing other global commitments.

In the Americas, many capacities needed for pandemic preparedness are also essential for daily health protection, including disease surveillance, laboratory networks, primary health care, infection prevention, control, and resilient health systems.

Dr. Barbosa emphasizes the importance of sustained investment in health systems, laboratories, surveillance, and public health capacities for pandemic prevention and preparedness.

Strengthening pandemic preparedness in the Americas

PAHO underscores the need for sustained investment in preparedness, international cooperation, and equitable access to tools and capacities needed to protect populations from health threats.

The Americas has made progress in detecting and responding to health threats, with an expanded surveillance system analyzing signals and detecting events to help countries respond. The region has also increased genomic and laboratory surveillance and strengthened emergency response mechanisms.

PAHO is working with countries to reduce vulnerabilities in vaccine and medicine supply chains, with the Revolving Funds delivering doses and tests, reaching millions of people. Local production of vaccines is expanding, contributing significantly to procurement volume.

Dr. Barbosa’s UNGA agenda

Dr. Barbosa will participate in key side events during UNGA week.

Media interested in arranging interviews during UNGA week may contact PAHO’s Media Team (mediateam@paho.org).

PAHO continues to work with countries across the Americas and partners worldwide to strengthen capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies, translating lessons from recent crises into stronger preparedness, resilient health systems, and greater health security for all.