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OAS Permanent Council Salutes Successes of Outgoing PAHO Director

  January 16, 2013

OAS Permanent Council Salutes Successes of Outgoing PAHO Director
Photo: OAS

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today bid farewell to the outgoing Director of the Pan-American Health Organization, Mirta Roses, during a regular meeting in which Permanent Representatives praised her 10 year tenure.

In her farewell, Roses summarized the success achieved by the Pan-American branch of the World Health Organization, particularly regarding the extension of antiretroviral drugs; the consideration of chronic diseases; the fight against the transmission of diseases from mother to baby; and the co-operation for drug demand reduction, among other issues. She emphasized "the very fruitful work and the permanent collaboration with the OAS" during her tenure, and thanked all nations in the hemisphere for "their support in being able to bring experiences from one country to others, and for making health the principal nexus between all territories within the Americas."

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza stressed that "the 10-year-tenure of Mirta Roses are a very clear evidence of her vocation for teamwork." "Dr. Roses' mandate has been highlighted by her interest in human development for all citizens, a task she has been devoted to with strength and enthusiasm," added the leader of the hemispheric organization, who also highlighted her "particular commitment to the most vulnerable communities" and her "quality, devotion and generous will to cooperate in a common effort."

During the meeting the representatives of Argentina, Honduras, Bolivia, the United States, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Canada, Peru, Dominica, Uruguay, Barbados, Nicaragua, Colombia, Paraguay, Panama and the Permanent Observer of Spain (on behalf also of France and Italy), all took the floor to congratulate Dr. Roses on her achievements and wish her success in the future. They also welcomed and offered their cooperation to Doctor Carissa Etienne (Dominica), who was elected last September by the Pan-American Sanitary Conference to lead PAHO between 2013 and 2018.

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: FNE-11127