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News
In Memory of Dr. Enrique Vega: Leader of Healthy Aging in the Americas
PAHO mourns the passing of Dr. Enrique Vega, Life Course Unit Chief, and a tireless advocate for healthy aging. A Cuban geriatrician and public health leader, Dr. Vega dedicated his career to advancing aging and life course policies and frameworks across the Americas. His vision, leadership, and humanity left a lasting impact on colleagues, countries, and communities.
The Fundación ASTUR and the Inter-American Development Bank sign an agreement to develop a training for older persons’ caregivers with PAHO support
Fundación ASTUR and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) signed a cooperation agreement to develop a virtual training for caregivers of older persons, marking an important step toward strengthening long-term care services in the Americas, mainly participating countries Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Republica Dominicana and Uruguay. The agreement was formalized during a week-long mission in Spain, which included the participation of PAHO and other key partners, when visits to long-term care services were performed in different areas of Spain. The initiative aims to develop and implement caregiver training programs to improve the quality of care for dependent older adults, focusing on person-centered approach. This collaboration reflects a growing regional commitment to building inclusive, sustainable long-term care strategies that meet the needs of aging populations.
St. Kitts and Nevis Strengthens Protection of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities by Ratifying Key Human Rights Conventions
St. Kitts and Nevis has officially ratified two important human rights conventions: the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons and the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. These ratifications mark a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of older adults and persons with disabilities. The Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons provides a comprehensive framework to promote and ensure the full exercise of their rights across the Americas.
Santa Ana, Costa Rica, Hosts Intergenerational Events to Promote Inclusion
The local government of Santa Ana, Costa Rica, organized two intergenerational events to strengthen community bonds and promote respect for older persons. Activities included inclusive physical exercises with older persons and people with disabilities, and a cultural exchange between them and local high school students. These initiatives reflect Santa Ana’s commitment to creating age-friendly environments and fostering solidarity across generations.
Paraná Becomes the First Subnational Affiliate Program of the WHO’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities in South America
The State of Paraná (Brazil) has became the first subnational affiliate program in South America to join the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, under the WHO/PAHO initiative. This milestone strengthens Paraná’s efforts to certify all 399 municipalities in its “Paraná Friend of Older Persons” program, promoting environments that support older adults with dignity, inclusion, and autonomy. PAHO/WHO will continue to support via the program’s steering committee, facilitating knowledge exchange and best practices across the Americas.
Donostia, Spain will be the host of the next World Congress for Age-friendly Cities and Communities
Donostia–San Sebastián, Spain, has been confirmed as the host city for the 3rd World Congress on Age‑Friendly Cities and Communities, taking place from 16 to 18 June 2026, under the auspices of WHO and Imserso, with collaboration from the Basque Government. This landmark gathering will unite international representatives, city planners, civil society, and older adults to share best practices, policies, and innovative solutions aimed at building inclusive, age-friendly environments. Save the date!
Events
PAHO launch of technical document: Long-term care for older people: package for universal health coverage
- NEW DATE - September 4, 2025
- 10:00 - 11:30 AM EDT
- Register
As people live longer in the Region of the Americas, many do so with disabilities or dependency, increasing the need for long-term care (LTC). In response, PAHO Member States have adopted a Policy on LTC (2025–2034) to strengthen health and social protection systems and improve access to long-term care across the life course. To support its implementation, join the upcoming regional launch of the "Long-Term Care for Older People: Package for Universal Health Coverage”, to explore the document, hear from experts and country representatives, and contribute to building LTC structures that ensure dignity, equity, and well-being across the life course.
Recordings
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Updates in the Americas
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), developed by the WHO, is a framework for describing and organizing information on functioning and disability. On June 26th, 2025, PAHO hosted this webinar to to provide updated relevant information on the ICF from researchers and experts, and share good practices that can serve as examples for its implementation.
WHO Commission on Social Connection: Report Launch
Watch the launch of the WHO Commission’s flagship report, which provides evidence and strategic recommendations to reduce social isolation and promote connection as a public health priority.
For more information. Link pending
Age-friendly cities and communities in the Americas
As of June 30th, there are a total of 987 cities and communities committed to be age-friendly in the Region of the Americas.
Our newest members include Naranjo and Turrialba from Costa Rica. Welcome!
Take a moment to watch this inspiring video created by Charlestown, Nevis the first PAHO/WHO Age-friendly City in the Eastern Caribbean!
Interested in learning more about how to develop and implement initiatives to create age-friendly environments? Enroll in the Age-friendly environments virtual course offered by the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health.
To learn more about age-friendly initiatives in the Region and worldwide, please visit the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities webpage.
