The Minister of Health of Mexico, José Córdova Villalobos, was elected president of the PAHO Directing Council. Peru and Saint Lucia will occupy the vice-presidency.

Mexico, through its Health Minister, José Córdova Villalobos, was elected to chair the PAHO Directing Council over the next year. The outgoing Council president, Esperanza Martínez, wished him "the greatest success in his work."

Villalobos acknowledged this vote of confidence for Mexico to conduct this work, recognizing the "efforts of the PAHO secretary in organizing the meeting and the hard work in preparing the documents to be discussed at the working sessions."

"It's undeniable that we have experienced economic crises and disasters during the past year, but we have the opportunity to work together in solidarity to mitigate the impact on and reduce the risks to the health of the population," Córdova maintained.

The Mexican Health Minister indicated that "the issues to be discussed at this high level forum, such as safe hospitals, the reduction of chronic malnutrition, Chagas, syphilis, and HIV will permit a redoubling of efforts in disease prevention and control and risk reduction."

In addition, Peru and Saint Lucia were elected to hold the two vice presidencies of the Council; and Canada to perform as rapporteur.