Jarbas Barbosa: Building Stronger Health Ties Between Africa and the Americas

September 26, 2026 - 23:24

Jarbas Barbosa, director of the Pan American Health Organization, has called for deeper cooperation between Africa and the Americas on public health. Speaking at a high-level gathering, he pointed to shared challenges that demand joint action rather than isolated national responses.

Barbosa identified cancer control as a priority area. Both regions face rising cancer burdens, yet many countries struggle with limited screening capacity, uneven access to treatment, and shortages of specialized staff. He argued that pooling research, training programs, and procurement of medicines could help close these gaps faster than separate efforts.

Digital health also featured prominently in his remarks. Barbosa noted that electronic records, telemedicine, and data systems can extend care to remote communities. He encouraged African and American nations to exchange technical knowledge and adopt common standards so that tools developed in one region can serve patients in the other.

Health workforce development rounded out his agenda. Barbosa stressed that training doctors, nurses, and community health workers is essential for resilient systems. He proposed joint fellowships and exchange programs that allow professionals to learn from different health landscapes.

The message was clear: solidarity, not competition, will determine how well both regions protect their populations in the years ahead.