PAHO & Pro Mujer Sign MoU to Advance Women's Health in Latin America & Caribbean

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on September 26, 2024 in New York between the Pan American Health Organization and Pro Mujer focused on the strengthening of women’s health in extremely marginal Latin American and Caribbean communities. This is trying to highlight matters of health disparities especially in maternal health, sexual/reproductive health and cancers of the cervix and breasts. The other focus of this engagement is the interculturality and ethnicity facet to guarantee that treatments and healthcare adhere to different cultural backgrounds.

This partnership between PAHO and Pro Mujer, over time, will be working together with the aim of increasing local capacities in extending access to essential health services equitably. Both institutions are aware that socioeconomic status, culture, education, and environment are modifiers in women's health, particularly in regions with low resources.

"The health sector should be an agent of change," said the director of the PAHO, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. "Our alliance with Pro Mujer is crucial to overcome such persisting challenges for women in Latin America and the Caribbean."

The agreement sets the stage for a series of activities in education that would enable women to make informed choices about their health. Collaboration also gathers information on gaps in access to health services related to the training of health providers and community promoters. This enhances the skill level of those who are in direct contact with the care of indigent women, which helps to bridge gaps in available health care.

Pro Mujer CEO Carmen Correa explained, "This partnership with PAHO will be a game-changer in pursuit of the elimination of health inequities among the most vulnerable women of the Americas. In doing so, together we can enforce sustainable change and ensure that, regardless of their background, every woman genuinely accesses care."

The new partnership reflects the ongoing commitment by PAHO and Pro Mujer to equity and the right to health at the forefront of their joint mission.