Press release
PAHO and the Pasteur Network sign Letter of Intent to strengthen regional health security
Lyon, France — April 6th, 2026 — The Pasteur Network and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have formalised a new framework for scientific collaboration at the One Health Summit in Lyon (5–7 April 2026), an international event dedicated to advancing the One Health approach. The agreement aims to strengthen scientific collaboration and reinforce public health capacities throughout the Americas.
Responding to climate-driven health risks
Climate variability is increasingly shaping the spread and intensity of communicable diseases. The two organisations will expand cooperation to better understand these dynamics — enhancing surveillance systems, generating evidence on climate–disease interactions, building technical capacity, and supporting the development of climate-informed public health policies.
Strengthening integrated arboviral disease control
Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika continue to pose a growing threat across the region. The partnership will reinforce integrated epidemiological, entomological, and environmental surveillance, strengthen laboratory and genomic capacities, support innovative vector control strategies, and build out early warning and rapid response systems.
Advancing regional vaccine manufacturing and health technologies
The collaboration aims to build a sustainable, interconnected ecosystem for vaccine development and production in the Americas — covering technology transfer, regulatory strengthening, and capacity-building, aligned with global efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines and health technologies.
A framework for sustained collaboration
Through this Letter of Intent, the two organisations will coordinate joint activities, align engagement with regional stakeholders, identify resource mobilisation opportunities, designate focal points, and hold regular consultations to monitor implementation and explore new areas of cooperation. The agreement reflects the importance of integrated, multisectoral approaches in strengthening preparedness for emerging and re-emerging public health threats.
About PAHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), founded in 1902, is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It provides technical cooperation and mobilizes partnerships to improve health and quality of life in the countries of the Americas. PAHO is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System and serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). Together with WHO, PAHO is a member of the United Nations system. For more information: https://www.paho.org/en
About the Pasteur Network
The Pasteur Network is an alliance of 32 organisations playing a crucial role in tackling global health challenges through science, innovation, and public health. Its distinctive strength lies in the diversity and extensive geographic reach of its membership, spanning 25 countries across five continents, united by shared values and a common mission for the benefit of populations. The Network fosters a dynamic community of scientific knowledge and expertise that is both locally embedded and globally connected. For more information: https://pasteur-network.org