Jujuy has strengthened its cooperation with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), receiving recognition for its approach to care for older adults. The province’s Minister of Health, Gustavo Bouhid, expressed appreciation for PAHO’s ongoing presence and support in Jujuy.
“We want to reiterate our thanks to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for their permanent presence in Jujuy. They are looking at us as an example of a path to follow in caring for older people, especially in prevention aimed at quality of life in our province,” said Bouhid.
He highlighted the role of the Provincial Center for Older Adults (CEPAM), describing it as a reference institution where participants can engage in physical activities, use a heated pool, and join workshops on folklore, zumba, technology skills, and arts such as singing. “With a reference institution like CEPAM where people can do physical activity, practice in the heated pool, be part of folklore workshops, zumba, technology management, arts like singing, we facilitate activities that keep people moving, energetic, sharing and strengthening bonds with the help of a great human team whom we especially thank for their dedication,” he added. He also noted that under Jujuy’s Strategic Plan there is an emphasis on prevention to avoid or minimize illness: “That is why PAHO points to Jujuy as an example of what quality of life means for older people while providing skill reinforcement through training.”
Bouhid stated that these actions have led to increased participation at CEPAM. “All these actions are evident with the growth in attendance at CEPAM—a unique center nationwide—because from Health we consider older people as having much life ahead and able to choose what benefits them and feel better. With several years working along these lines, we are setting the path nationally because we are thinking about the human being as a whole while putting energy and attitude toward well-being,” he said.
Jujuy has advanced capacity-building efforts from a rights-based perspective alongside PAHO. Recently health teams participated at CEPAM in International Accreditation of Competencies in Health Care for Older People (ACAPEM), a networked training strategy promoted by PAHO.
In November 2024, Jujuy implemented Diabfrail at CEPAM—the first pilot experience of this program in Argentina—focused on diabetes prevention and control among older adults. The initiative included 87 participants; its second stage concluded last September. Through this project healthier habits were encouraged along with practical self-care skills and adapted physical activity without special equipment. Mutual support networks were also formed to improve functionality and independence among seniors.
At the end of October 2025 PAHO highlighted Jujuy’s health management efforts including its Data Monitoring Center which provides real-time epidemiological information used to inform public policy decisions both locally and nationally. During their visit PAHO representatives toured hospitals Materno Infantil and San Roque in San Salvador de Jujuy as well as Gallardo Hospital in Palpalá and Zabala Hospital in Perico; they positively assessed primary care services.
The collaboration between Jujuy Province and PAHO extends into mental health through provincial training programs using community tools from WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). These initiatives aim to expand access within communities while promoting prevention strategies against mental health disorders and reducing stigma or exclusion—a process begun in Puna region now continuing elsewhere including San Pedro.
Earlier this year during Vaccination Week of the Americas OPS teams visited various local health services recognizing Jujuy’s territorial approach and status as a leader on immunizations due largely to outreach by community health agents who ensure access even house-to-house for children and seniors throughout the year.
Within its Care Network Project framework PAHO recently supported workshops addressing violence response strategies at primary care level across provincial health teams; it also continues supporting sexual/reproductive health promotion campaigns both within San Salvador de Jujuy city limits and rural areas.
A recent OPS mission included meetings with local technical teams reviewing epidemiological data regarding ongoing efforts toward eliminating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis.
