PAHO updates essential public health functions for countries of the Americas
PAHO updates essential public health functions for countries of the Americas
11 Dec 2020
Renewed roadmap aims to address health system weaknesses and eliminate barriers to access to care. In the Americas, nearly 30% of the population does not seek care when they need it.
Washington, DC, December 11, 2020 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today urged the countries of the Americas to renew the essential public health functions (EPHF) to provide quality public health services and actions, to address epidemics and to advance toward universal health.
"This (COVID-19) pandemic has clearly shown us that there is need for stronger health systems that promote and protect population health," said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. "I want to urge countries to invest in the Essential Public Health Functions, and across all sectors, as investments have been insufficient in the development of core public health capacities to respond to current challenges”.