Canada Supports The Health Agenda For The Americas

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 04 Oct 2007 - 10:00 PDT

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The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, joined Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to sign the Declaration of the Health Agenda for the Americas, a comprehensive document outlining the vision for health development in the Americas for the period 2008 - 2017. The document responds to the diverse health needs of the peoples of the Americas, and reflects a commitment from each of the countries to work together from a regional perspective.

"The Government of Canada is proud to have played a role in developing the Health Agenda for the Americas, which is an important declaration that will lead to healthier individuals, families and communities in the Americas in coming years," Minister Clement said. "Canadians strongly value the principle of universal access to timely and quality health care - a principle which is reflected in the declaration."

The document was signed during the PAHO annual meeting at its headquarters in Washington, DC, as Ministers of Health and other high-level delegates from PAHO member countries discussed health policies and actions to address the region's major health challenges. Minister Clement was joined by Dr. Roses and representatives from the 35 PAHO member states.

"Canada has made important contributions in the development of the Health Agenda for the Americas," said PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses. "Canada will continue to play an important role over the next decade as this plan is implemented, as we work together in achieving universality, access, integrity, quality and inclusion in health systems for individuals, families, and communities."

Created in 1902, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international health agency that works to improve health and living standards of the people of the Americas. It is the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). Canada has been an active member of PAHO since 1971.

Minister Clement's signing of the Health Agenda declaration follows Prime Minister Stephen Harper's recent announcements that reviving and expanding Canadian political and economic engagement in the Americas is a major foreign policy goal of Canada's New Government. Canada's New Government is committed to active and sustained engagement in the Americas in order to advance hemispheric security, prosperity and governance.

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