In addition to promoting technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, the organization will support the development of health-related policies.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative put forth by Brazil during its G20 presidency. As a founding member, PAHO will support the development of health-related policies and promote knowledge exchange, technical assistance, and capacity building.
PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa welcomed the move, emphasizing that “ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages is intrinsically linked to the commitment to end poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.”
Barbosa also noted that, across the Americas, healthcare costs remain a major barrier to access and “push families into poverty.”
As a member of the Alliance, PAHO will assist other members in developing policies related to primary healthcare, disease elimination, and ensuring equitable access to services aimed at combating non-communicable diseases, among other health issues.
“Eliminating hunger and poverty is essential to ensuring a healthy life for everyone.” – Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director
The organization will also work alongside other Alliance members to provide technical assistance, training, and knowledge exchange to strengthen the connection between achieving SDG 3 (health and well-being) and the fight against poverty, hunger, food insecurity, and the promotion of socioeconomic inclusion.
“Eliminating hunger and poverty is essential to ensuring a healthy life for everyone. Equitable access to healthcare is crucial to accelerating the fight against hunger and poverty,” Barbosa added.
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
According to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the number of people suffering from hunger worldwide increased by 122 million in 2022 compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aims to drive collective actions to ensure that countries have the resources and expertise necessary to develop public policies proven to be effective in reducing hunger and poverty globally. Participation is open to all countries.
