PAHEF discusses neglected diseases and disaster preparedness with innovative leaders

PAHEF is pleased to join Harvard University's Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation as a partner in the bi-annual conference Frontiers of Innovation: 20 Years of Innovation in Government held in Cambridge March 31st through today.

On Monday evening, the executive director of the Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF), Mr. Edward Kadunc, discussed multisector partnerships in tackling neglected diseases and in disaster preparedness in the Americas with former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox; Harvard dignitaries; and conference keynote speakers.

Kadunc commented that PAHEF is committed to fighting neglected diseases that are responsible for severe disability in the poorest countries with a devastating impact on both lives and lost productivity of thousands. He noted, "PAHEF has supported initiatives across the Americas, such as Belize, Brazil, and Mexico, in partnership with the private and public sectors. Thanks to the dedicated work of partnerships, progress is being made. For example, PAHEF is contributing to river blindness elimination targets being met."

On another conference theme, disaster preparedness, Kadunc noted, "An upsurge in the frequency and magnitude of sudden-impact disasters necessitates the need to expand the number of health professionals and the diversity of disciplines available to deploy rapidly when a major disaster strikes. And PAHEF has supported the creation of a regional disaster response team for Latin America and the Caribbean."

Under Kadunc's leadership as the mission director, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mexico supported President Fox's initiatives in government modernization and innovation. President Fox honored USAID with the 2006 innovation award for USAID's support of these Mexican initiatives.

The Pan American Health and Education Foundation is a US-based nonprofit organization working to combat disease, lengthen life, improve health care services, foster health research, and enhance the capacities of health care workers in the Americas through grant-making and direct program implementation. As an independent organization, PAHEF supports the Pan American Health Organization's vision of Health for All.