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HEMA Task Force
Introduction
A Task Force of senior health and environment officials (from each of the 5 sub-regions in the Americas – North America, Central America, Caribbean, Andean Region, and Southern Cone) was selected to develop a follow-up process to the HEMA meeting that would help countries advance their work at the national and regional level. The Task Force was chaired by Canada and Argentina (chair of the next Summit of the Americas meeting) participated as observers. Health Canada and Environment Canada co-chaired the Task Force. The United Nations Environment Programme – Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNEP-ROLAC), the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), and the Organization of American States (OAS) also participated in Task Force meetings.
The Task Force had three meetings (May 2003, August 2003, and November 2003) and successfully completed its work. The Task Force recommended a follow-up process for the HEMA initiative that will help countries advance their work at the national and regional level in preventing and mitigating threats to the environment and human health. In addition, the Task Force agreed on concrete actions to meet HEMA goals which included:
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the preparation of an inventory of activities of health and environment initiatives in the Americas – by country;
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the identification, by Task Force members, of gaps or actions required; and
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a “Selected Activities” document, which pulled together the goals, the discussion by Task Force members regarding work that is required and the identification of some projects which contribute to meeting HEMA goals.
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