Evaluation of the Pan American Health Organization Response to COVID-19 2020–2022. Volume I. Final Report

Abstract

The report on the evaluation of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region of the Americas reflects the findings that covered the period from January 2020 to August 2022. It provides information on PAHO’s support to its Member States in accordance with the World Health Organization, and COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. The data collected during the evaluation was consolidated and analyzed at strategic, organizational, and operational levels. It focuses on PAHO as an organization, and whilst it does not assess Member States’ responses to the pandemic, it provides information on how PAHO collaborated with and supported Member States during the response. In addition to presenting information related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Americas and PAHO’s programmatic response, the report provides information on key achievements, on the enabling and limiting factors, gaps and lessons that have emerged from PAHO’s response to COVID-19 pandemic, which serve to inform preparedness for and response to future public health emergencies. Finally, evidence-based recommendations are provided for corrective actions to strengthen future pandemic responses, while building a resilient recovery in the Region. These recommendations are focused on PAHO’s governance and management, specialized regional mechanisms, diversified funding models, and use of new technologies.