A CONVERSATION WITH DR. JARBAS BARBOSA, DIRECTOR OF THE PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION - After being the global epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic for much of 2020-2021, Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) has staged an impressive recovery on the back of successful vaccination campaigns, a renewed focus on public health, and unprecedented multi-sectoral collaboration. However, the progress made and resilience shown in recent years will be tested going forward. With the pandemic increasingly in the rearview mirror, structural vulnerabilities in our health systems have re-emerged or worsened, with concerning repercussions.

How can countries better tackle structural challenges, from under-investment and inequity to the shortage of medical professionals and regulatory improvements? What’s the current state of health systems in LAC and how can they be restored and strengthened to meet future needs? How is the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) leading and supporting these efforts? And in what ways can the public, private, and multilateral sectors help to advance these efforts?

Months into his term, join the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center for an in-studio conversation with Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, director of the PAHO, on his vision for the organization’s role and priorities in building a healthier LAC.