Published on November 27, 2007 at 11:29 AM
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Mirta Roses, and the Permanent Representative of Canada to the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Graeme C. Clark, have signed a master framework document that represents an important step forward in the strategic relationship between PAHO and the Canadian government Ambassador Graeme C. Clark and Dr. Mirta Roses sign the strategic cooperation framework.
The Master Grant Arrangement, signed at an official ceremony today at PAHO headquarters here, will govern the strategic partnership between PAHO and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The document sets out the terms and conditions for programmatic collaboration between CIDA and PAHO in support of their shared public health goals and objectives.
PAHO officials attending the signing ceremony underscored the importance of this framework agreement in facilitating their future cooperation in support of the PAHO Strategic Plan 2008-2012, adopted by all the organization's Member States. The Strategic Plan, in turn, is a key instrument to support the Health Agenda for the Americas, which sets out the health priorities the governments have agreed to address over the next decade.
Dr. Roses said, "We're very happy because this document is very special, reflecting the long-term institutional partnership between CIDA and PAHO."
Ambassador Clark said, "This is about a vote of confidence by Canada in your leadership and in the Pan American Health Organization, and the very important work it takes up in the region."
The agreement was signed during a day-long CIDA-PAHO Consultation which reviewed the progress of CIDA-supported projects in influenza, HIV/AIDS, human resources and primary health care, institutional strengthening, the regional immunization program, and other areas.
http://www.paho.org/