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Strengthening public health cooperation and trust: advancing dialogue between ParlAmericas and PAHO

April 28, 2026 | Activity

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At a time when public trust in health systems is under pressure and regional health challenges are becoming increasingly complex, strengthening cooperation between policymakers and health institutions remains essential. In this context, ParlAmericas convened a dialogue between the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (CPAM) and Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), bringing together participants to exchange on pressing public health priorities across the Americas and the Caribbean.

Discussions highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust in vaccination systems, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19. Dr. Barbosa noted that while immunization coverage has begun to recover to pre-pandemic levels, it remains below the threshold required to eliminate preventable diseases, emphasizing that achieving at least 95% vaccination coverage across all communities is essential. He underscored that vaccine hesitancy is often rooted not in outright opposition, but in uncertainty, calling for greater engagement by health professionals to listen to concerns and communicate clearly. Participants reflected on the broader implications of declining trust in public institutions and the need for coordinated responses that reinforce vaccination as both an individual and collective responsibility.

The dialogue also underscored the persistence of structural health challenges across the region, particularly in vulnerable contexts. Building on the intervention by Haiti-born Canadian Senator Suze Youance, PAHO’s Director highlighted the organization’s continued presence in Haiti, including support for vaccine distribution and direct management of health facilities in exceptional circumstances. More broadly, innovative approaches are being implemented across the region, such as mobile diagnostic units that provide immediate testing and treatment in underserved and remote communities, as well as ongoing efforts to address malaria and gaps in vaccination coverage. These experiences underscored the importance of sustained international cooperation and flexible institutional responses in fragile settings.

Participants further explored the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating emerging technologies into health systems. Moderated by Member of Parliament Patricia Lattanzio, Chair of CPAM, the discussion examined how artificial intelligence and mobile diagnostics are improving access to care, particularly in hard-to-reach populations, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks and noting that technological innovation must remain guided by human oversight and public trust. Examples shared included the use of AI-supported imaging to detect tuberculosis in high-risk environments, demonstrating how innovation can support targeted and effective interventions, with cascade positive effects to society.

The discussion also addressed the evolving landscape of global health cooperation, including the impact of reduced international funding on health systems in the Americas. Strain is being placed on technical cooperation and disease elimination programs, particularly in prevention of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria spreading, where sustaining progress requires renewed commitment from international partners. In this context, PAHO praised the role of countries such as Canada, who is currently the largest voluntary contributor to the organization, in supporting regional health initiatives, as well as the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining donor confidence.

This dialogue forms part of ParlAmericas’ ongoing work to strengthen parliamentary engagement on health and social development issues across the hemisphere. As the inter-parliamentary institution of the inter-American system, ParlAmericas facilitates exchanges between legislators and international organizations, supporting informed decision-making and regional cooperation on shared challenges.

By fostering dialogue on public health priorities, this exchange contributes to broader efforts to strengthen resilient, inclusive, and responsive health systems in the Americas. Moving forward, continued collaboration between parliaments and regional institutions will be essential to address evolving health risks, reinforce public trust, and advance collective well-being across the region.

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