PAHO coordinates health cooperation across the Americas to fight communicable and noncommunicable diseases and strengthen public health systems.
A Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has produced more than 500 confirmed cases across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and at least 19 confirmed cases in Uganda. WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern; authorities are scaling up testing, treatment centres and cross-border preparedness while contact tracing and supplies remain insufficient.
Health officials warn crowd settings at the World Cup heighten risks of infectious diseases, with measles and flu among the leading threats. Surveillance is tight as officials monitor stadiums, airports and bars for early signs of outbreaks. Experts stress vaccination and rapid response as travel ramps up.
Two earthquakes have devastated Venezuela’s La Guaira coast, leaving thousands homeless and triggering a health and environmental crisis as debris, contamination, and collapsed infrastructure strain a weakened public system. Officials say tens of thousands remain missing, with damage exceeding billions. Aid workers warn of looming secondary crises and long-term displacement.