The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Women of Central America and the Dominican Republic (STM-COMMCA) signed a memorandum of understanding in San Salvador on July 13, 2026, to strengthen regional cooperation for the health of women, adolescents, and girls, according to a press release by PAHO. The agreement aims to support countries in reducing health inequalities across the region. It establishes a joint framework for collaboration on comprehensive women’s health policies. The signing brought together senior representatives from PAHO and COMMCA. The alliance sets a shared agenda combining gender, human rights, and interculturality approaches.
While countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic have achieved progress in health, challenges persist. These include maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and barriers to accessing health services. Women in situations of greater vulnerability face particular difficulties. The memorandum responds directly to these ongoing regional gaps. It provides a structured mechanism for coordinated action.
The agreement outlines priority areas for joint work, including sexual and reproductive health, the reduction of maternal mortality, comprehensive care for survivors of gender-based violence, and equitable access to essential health services. Special attention will be paid to women in situations of vulnerability and human mobility, including migration. The memorandum will also promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge among countries. It will strengthen institutional capacities and coordination between health and gender equality sectors of the member countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA). Participants in the signing ceremony included PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Representative in El Salvador Dr. Marcelo Korc, Executive President of the Salvadoran Institute for the Development of Women (ISDEMU) and Minister of COMMCA for El Salvador Yanci Salmerón, and Technical Secretary of Women of COMMCA Michelle Godoy.
“This agreement represents an important step toward strengthening regional cooperation on priority health and development issues. It will allow us to promote political and technical dialogue, strengthen institutional capacities, and advance policies that contribute to reducing the health inequalities affecting women, adolescents, and girls,” stated PAHO Director Dr. Barbosa.
Godoy emphasized that sustainable development in the region requires guaranteeing the comprehensive health of women. She noted that the joint agenda will promote evidence-based policies using disaggregated data. It will also address determinants such as the care economy and violence prevention.
With this alliance, the expectation is to strengthen health systems so they are more inclusive and equitable. The partnership seeks to build systems capable of responding to the needs of women, adolescents, and girls. Coordinated regional action between the health and gender equality sectors is central to this effort. Godoy expressed confidence that health with equality for the SICA region will be the greatest legacy of the strategic alliance. The memorandum consolidates a shared roadmap for advancing women’s health across Central America and the Dominican Republic.
