Celebrating a Milestone in Public Health

Washington D.C., November 14, 2024 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) celebrated the centennial anniversary of the Pan American Sanitary Code today, bringing together health ministers and authoritative voices from across the Americas for a significant panel discussion. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa led the event, emphasizing the Code's critical role in fostering collaboration among nations to combat communicable diseases.

Historical Significance of the Pan American Sanitary Code

Adopted on November 14, 1924, in Cuba, the Pan American Sanitary Code was revolutionary for its time, being the first multilateral treaty dedicated to public health in the Americas. The agreement established a framework where nations committed to alert each other about any outbreaks of disease in their territories, laying the foundation for a collective response to health threats.

Relevance in the Modern Era

Dr. Barbosa highlighted that even a century later, 20 articles of the Code are still in effect, underpinning PAHO's mission as a regional health agency. He pointed out that the principles of cooperation and solidarity within the Code are more relevant than ever, especially in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the necessity for nations to unite in the face of global health challenges.

Call for Preparedness and Collaboration

During the celebration, Dr. Barbosa also noted the importance of recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the ongoing negotiations for a new Pandemic Agreement spearheaded by World Health Organization (WHO) Member States. These steps are seen as essential to enhancing preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Reflections from Health Leaders

The event also featured former PAHO Directors Dr. George Alleyne and Dr. Mirta Roses, who shared reflections on the historical and ongoing significance of the Pan American Sanitary Code. Dr. Alleyne called it "one of the most important health documents in the world," while Dr. Roses remarked that the Code reflected decades of international efforts to advance public health.

Innovations and Ongoing Challenges

Global health leaders from various countries, including Dr. Ximena Aguilera, Minister of Health of Chile, and Dr. Kayla Laserson of the CDC, participated in the discussions, highlighting innovations in surveillance and public health infrastructure that have sprung from the ideals encapsulated in the Code.

The Future of Public Health

While the achievements of the last century are noteworthy—including the successful elimination of smallpox—public health leaders warned that threats still loom large. Dr. Vivian Kouri from the Pedro Kouri Institute in Cuba pointed to modern challenges posed by communicable diseases, stressing that no country is immune from these are emerging threats.

A Call to Action

As PAHO celebrates this milestone, leaders are calling for a renewed commitment to the spirit of collaboration that has characterized the organization since the Code's inception. Dr. Barbosa encouraged all nations to recognize that "our safety and well-being depend on unified collaboration in public health across the continent."

Looking Ahead

The centenary of the Pan American Sanitary Code serves as both a celebration of past successes and a clarion call to action for the future—hoping to forge a stronger and healthier Americas in the next century.