The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released its 2025 Annual Report on March 19, 2026, documenting major advances in health security, disease elimination, digital transformation, and stronger health systems across the Americas, according to a press release by PAHO. The web-based report, titled Driving innovation, delivering impact, reflects how regional collaboration and consistent technical cooperation helped countries address both long-standing and emerging health challenges in 2025.
PAHO, founded in 1902, is the world’s oldest international public health organization, serving 35 Member States and more than 1 billion people. During the 2024–2025 biennium, as of December 31, 2025, the organization mobilized $552 million in voluntary contributions—a 111% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The report was issued against a backdrop of reduced funding for international health, underscoring the scale of what was achieved.
Among the year’s milestones, Suriname became the first country in the Amazon basin to be certified malaria-free, bringing the total number of malaria-free countries in the region to 20. Brazil eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV. More than 10,000 primary health care centers in 28 countries implemented the HEARTS initiative, providing standardized hypertension care to over 6 million people. PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds procured more than $900 million in vaccines, technologies, and health supplies, delivering 234 million vaccine doses to 33 Member States. A landmark agreement signed in January 2025 between the Government of Argentina, Sinergium Biotech, Pfizer, and PAHO advanced regional production of the PCV20 pneumococcal vaccine.
The report also recorded setbacks, most notably the Region of the Americas losing its measles elimination status after transmission was re-established in Canada, with more than 14,000 confirmed cases and 30 deaths reported across 13 countries. PAHO’s regional surveillance system analyzed 2.1 million signals related to potential health threats, detecting 157 public health events across the Americas.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa stated:
“The year 2025 tested the resilience of health systems and international cooperation alike. Against a backdrop of reduced funding for international health, the Pan American Health Organization once again demonstrated what it has shown for over 120 years: its capacity to adapt, deliver, and advance health for all in the Americas.”
Chile, Panama, and Paraguay joined the Alliance for Primary Health Care in the Americas, while 22 countries joined the Global Digital Health Certification Network. Seven countries implemented the All-in-One Telehealth Platform to expand specialist access in remote areas. Dr. Barbosa noted that PAHO diversified its funding sources, expanded partnerships, and delivered high-quality technical cooperation with greater efficiency. The organization also supported countries in responding to outbreaks of yellow fever, dengue, and the Oropouche virus, as well as to natural disasters such as Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean.
