(MENAFN- Caribbean News Global) SANTA MARTA, Colombia, (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) of the European Commission have signed an administrative arrangement to enhance cooperation in prevention, preparedness, and response to serious cross-border public health threats.

The arrangement, signed by Dr Jarbas Barbosa, director of PAHO, and Florika Fink-Hooijer, director-general of HERA, was witnessed by European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, who oversees HERA within the European Commission. It sets out a framework for collaboration in the area of medical countermeasures (MCMs)-including vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and other essential health technologies-between the European Union and the region of the Americas.

The arrangement was signed in the context of the European Union–Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU–CELAC) Summit, held in Colombia, reflecting the regions' shared commitment to joint action in health emergency preparedness and response. Signing the arrangement during the Summit added further significance, highlighting the strategic importance of bi-regional cooperation in achieving health security and strengthening collective preparedness and response-a key priority for both regions.

The cooperation will focus on:

• Exchange of information on medical countermeasure priorities, availability, and procurement practices;
• Strengthening of laboratory capacities through a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health;
• Procurement of medical countermeasures, including cooperation on procurement mechanisms, models, and innovative contracting, as well as the sharing of experience and expertise on capacity reservation strategies; and
• Preparedness and stockpiling methodologies to support coordinated responses during health emergencies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that effective preparedness requires close international cooperation,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, director of PAHO.“This arrangement will help strengthen the exchange of information, technology, and expertise between our regions, improving our collective capacity to detect and respond to future health emergencies.”

Hadja Lahbib, commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management, said:

“Stronger cooperation is the best defense against the next health crisis. This arrangement between HERA and PAHO shows what partnership means in practice: sharing expertise, building resilience, and making sure no region is left alone when an emergency hits. It is a clear signal of our joint commitment to protect lives through solidarity and preparedness.”

The arrangement foresees joint technical activities, including training, preparedness exercises, and participation in regional and international health fora. It will remain in effect for five years from the date of signature.

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