Start Program in International Health Leaders 2009, Edmundo Granda Ugalde

On March 23 last began the Program in International Health Leaders 2009, starting this year will bear the name of Dr. Edmundo Granda Ugalde, great academic leader in health and health equity in his native country of Ecuador and throughout the Region.

In words very moving the Program was initiated by Dr. Charles Godue, Coordinator of Human Resources for Health, and Dr. Peter E. Brito, Manager, Health Systems and Services. Were also from Ecuador to the presence of Mrs. Clarita Merchán, widow of Dr. Granda, who appreciated the recognition by PAHO to the memory of her husband.

Dr. Jose Romero Teruel, a professor at Georgetown University and former official of the Pan American Health Organization, delivered the inaugural lecture, entitled "The challenges of international health, history and the challenges expected for the future." Finally, Dr. Nestor Marimon, Coordinator of International Cooperation, Ministry of Public Health and Director and Chair of the National School of Public Health in Cuba, spoke about the significance of such training for the coordinators of the Cuban medical brigades in priority countries and Guatemala.

This program aims to contribute to the development of the Health Schedule for the Americas 2008-2017 by strengthening the capacities of the countries of the Region to understand, act and make a positive influence on the international determinants of health, promote their interests and coordinate actions in cutting health at an international level, guided by the principle of greater global equity in health.

The program this year with the participation of 56 participants from 18 countries: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. Participants representing various fields of work, including the ministries of health, academia, foreign offices, PAHO, nongovernmental organizations and other international agencies.

In addition to the participants themselves, were also present at the opening staff of PAHO / WHO regional office and the participating countries, national, and international health experts from various academic institutions, international agencies and other organizations in region.