Annan pays tribute to century of efforts by Pan American Health Organization

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today paid tribute to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), calling its contributions over the past century a “unifying, democratizing force” that has brought hope to many people.

In the text of his address to ceremonies in Washington, D.C., marking the 100th anniversary of PAHO, the Secretary-General said the organization's record is one to be proud of, one which has helped increase life expectancy in the Americas to 72 years, up from 50 years a century ago.

The Secretary-General also recalled PAHO's other accomplishments, including efforts to prevent child deaths through immunization and improved conditions of care, as well as reducing the risk of mothers dying in childbirth.

“The teamwork exhibited by PAHO and its partners has itself become a unifying, democratizing force, empowering women and communities and drawing countries closer together in networks of knowledge and mutual aid,” Mr. Annan said. “Where once fatalism reigned amongst the great mass of people, today there is hope – more than ever before.”

Despite these efforts, the Americas also face an “enormous backlog” of health-related despair, the Secretary-General noted, including the AIDS epidemic and violence, particularly against women and children.

“The Americas face a critical period ahead – in continuing the century-long expansion of health and social services; in consolidating the democratic transformation of the past two decades; and in coping with the economic and financial crises of today,” Mr. Annan said. “The strong tradition of partnership in the Americas, of which PAHO is such a leading example, will need to deepen further still.”

PAHO is the regional office for the Americas of the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

Earlier today, the Secretary-General also held a private discussion with fellows at the Woodrow Wilson Center.