Washington, DC, October 1, 2014 (PAHO / WHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) today signed a protocol of intent for cooperation to improve health in the Americas, in the framework of a meeting of ministers from countries of Mesoamerica.
 
The objectives of this partnership are, among others, to support AMEXCID in the necessary dialogue with the governments of Mesoamerica for concrete actions at the national level; to formulate processes, activities and initiatives necessary to achieve desired outcomes for each defined priority area; and to establish mechanisms for monitoring and control of specific agreements arising from this Protocol of Intent for cooperation.
 
Under this protocol, PAHO and AMEXCID signed an agreement to collaborate with the countries of Mesoamerica in plans to address issues such as dengue, road safety and primary health care.
 
PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne welcomed the signing of this protocol and said it was a clear demonstration of Mexico's government commitment to supporting improvements in health in the Americas. She stressed that it is "an innovative way to work" between PAHO and its member countries.
 
For Mexico, Pablo Kuri, Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion of the Ministry of Health of Mexico, said that these joint actions will result in a better health status for the population in the region. Executive Director Juan Manuel Valle Pereña signed by the protocol for AMEXCID.
 
PAHO Assistant Director Francisco Becerra, who will coordinate the cooperation with the countries of Central America, highlighted the work that will be carried out with the countries in dengue prevention and control, road safety and primary health care, in collaboration with AMEXCID.