GENEVA – The Pan American health Organization (PAHO), Tuesday signed a Letter of Intent to boost cooperation in organ, tissue, and cell donation and transplantation as well as to expand equitable access to these procedures in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The letter was signed on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), by the PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, and the Minister of Health from Spain, Mónica García Gómez.
The letter will focus on implementing the Regional Action Plan on Donation and Equitable Access to Transplantation, and on strengthening the Ibero-American Network/Council on Donation and Transplantation (RCIDT).
PAHO said that this network serves as a key platform for developing capacities and regulatory frameworks in the region’s countries.
“Having robust, safe, and well-coordinated transplant systems is essential to respond to the health needs of the population,” said Barbosa.
“This alliance with Spain enhances regional efforts to improve legal frameworks, technical capacities, and operational networks, guided by the principles of equity and solidarity,” he added.
Established in 2005, the RCIDT has promoted the creation of national agencies, the formulation of public policies, the training of professionals, and the adoption of common ethical and technical standards, significantly contributing to the institutional strengthening of donation and transplant systems.
During the signing ceremony, the authorities highlighted the value of this alliance in moving towards more just and effective health systems.
“This agreement reflects Spain’s continuous commitment to health cooperation in the region. We will continue to work alongside PAHO to strengthen national capacities and promote fairer and more equitable access to donation and transplantation,” said García Gómez.
PAHO said a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed soon, establishing a roadmap for the 2025–2026 period. It said planned activities include organizing the annual RCIDT meetings, as well as implementing technical initiatives agreed upon by both parties.
The agreement also includes a financial contribution from Spain to support its implementation.
