New Programming Approaches

Results achieved as of the end of the project (June 2011) include: helping countries of the region respond to the acute phase of the 2009 influenza pandemic and focusing on identifying lessons learned and developing preparedness and response strategies to reduce people’s vulnerability to future outbreaks. The project also contributed to strengthening the ability of countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to monitor severe and acute respiratory infections (SARI). SARI surveillance programs were implemented or strengthened in eight hospitals in Ecuador six in Chile five in Bolivia and six in Colombia and hospital staff were also trained in SARI surveillance . This initiative contributed to developing clinical guidelines that address HIV and congenital syphilis in an integrated manner. The project supported Uruguay El Salvador Bolivia Paraguay the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica in reviewing and updating their national guidelines for the treatment and care of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The initiative also collaborated with universities and health institutions throughout the region to develop a regional framework to ensure that public health professionals meet certain essential competencies. A study of nursing regulation supported by the project led to the improvement of nursing practises and education in the region. The initiative also assisted the Ministries of Health in Honduras Nicaragua Guatemala Bolivia Paraguay Surinam Guyana Peru Panama Belize and Peru to build their capacity to generate analyze and use gender and ethnic statistics and information to help them create better policies.