Provincial health ministers from 16 jurisdictions in Argentina met with officials from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Buenos Aires to discuss public health priorities, access to medical technologies, and ways to strengthen primary health care.
The meeting was led by PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa and PAHO Representative in Argentina Eva Jané Llopis. José Manzur, Minister of Health for Jujuy, attended the event along with his counterparts from across the country.
Discussions focused on three main topics: provincial health priorities, governance of health systems, and access to medical technologies. These areas were identified as important for continuing collaboration between PAHO and provincial governments to improve healthcare accessibility.
Key issues included strengthening primary health care services, expanding vaccination coverage, developing telemedicine capabilities, and improving access to high-cost medications such as those used for cancer and HIV treatment.
Participants also discussed regional initiatives aimed at eliminating diseases like vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, and Chagas disease. Progress toward eliminating cervical cancer and improving tuberculosis control strategies was reviewed.
The meeting featured presentations on tools for better diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases. One highlighted program was HEARTS, which focuses on improving detection and management of hypertension. Other topics included mental health strategies at the primary care level, expanding access to medicines through PAHO’s Revolving Funds mechanism, and advancing digital health with integrated information systems.
