PAHO Advances in Integrated Health Care for Children and Young People with Lifestyle

Washington, DC, October 7-9, 2024 – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) gathered experts from across the Americas to advance its multi-decade approach to health care policy. the first two of life. The three-day conference, held in Washington, DC, focused on strengthening health systems by prioritizing person-centered care for children and youth. The event highlighted the importance of holistic, health-based approaches to promote health from birth to adolescence, highlighting the new Spanish edition of the “Pocketbook of Primary Health Care for Children and Adolescents” and an important resource to assist in this work.

Building on the 2018-2030 Action Plan for Women, Children and Youth, the event brought together key stakeholders, including PAHO representatives, WHO officials, and health experts from countries many, discussed strategies for implementing the Spanish version of the Pocketbook, translated by PAHO, as a tool for health professionals throughout the region. First introduced by WHO Europe, the Pocketbook provides evidence-based clinical guidelines designed to support the health of children and young people, serving as a practical tool for primary health care providers.

Dr. James Fitzgerald, Director of Health and Services, emphasized the importance of primary health care (PHC) as a pillar of health systems in the Americas, stating that Pocketbook is compatible with the region’s commitment of obtaining good health and health protection. .

Dr. Enrique Vega, Director of Life Studies, published the Pocket Book’s section on working life style, which considers the ongoing needs of life at each stage of life. This integrated care strategy addresses critical health issues such as infant and maternal health, adolescent care, and chronic conditions, and includes risk management, life support health, and disease prevention across age groups.

Throughout the sessions, participants discussed adapting the Pocket Book to the unique needs of American health care. The proposed amendments include guidelines to address endemic diseases in the region, such as dengue and Chagas disease, and include language to support gender diversity. The experts also explained the plans to adapt to the digital environment, and shared that the Pocketbook mobile application was launched by the WHO in April 2024, which provides health care professionals with accessible clinical tools.

The integration of digital learning was another topic that was discussed with PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health at the training center for health professionals. The Virtual Campus has the opportunity to host resources to ensure that all health care providers—from physicians to community health workers—receive continuing education to use the Pocket Book effectively.

As part of its broader commitment to sustainable health care, PAHO collaborates with regional and international organizations, including WHO Europe, UNICEF, and USAID, to establish strategic partnerships. This meeting will help mobilize resources, promote cross-sector collaborations, and ensure the long-term impact of Pocketbook.

In addition, it is being considered that there is an opportunity to create a similar Pocketbook for adults, using lifestyle to provide comprehensive, age-specific care.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure that healthcare providers in America can access, implement and benefit from Pocketbook. This effort reaffirms PAHO’s commitment to strengthening health systems across America to address the unique needs of children and youth, creating a foundation for healthy communities and advancing UHC goals.

Pocketbook is currently available in English, Russian and Ukrainian and is currently being translated into Spanish. The Pocketbook Application is available for download from the Apple Store and Google Play in English.