In a significant step towards transforming its health system, El Salvador has partnered with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) to establish the Mesa Consultiva for Primary Health Care (PHC). This national governance mechanism will focus on addressing health inequities, ensuring universal coverage, and tackling emerging challenges such as climate change and demographic transitions through a Primary Health Care approach.

The initiative was officially launched at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health in El Salvador, attended by high-level representatives, including Minister of Health Francisco Alabí Montoya, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, World Bank Country Manager for El Salvador and Costa Rica Carine Clert, and IDB Representative Olga Gómez.

“This Alliance is a crucial step in the transformation of our health system,” said Minister Alabí. “With the support of strategic allies such as PAHO, IDB, and the World Bank, El Salvador is consolidating its position as a regional benchmark in implementing innovative policies to guarantee quality health services for our population.”

A Unified Approach to Health System Transformation

The Mesa Consultiva serves as a coordination platform, aligning technical and financial resources with the country’s strategic health objectives. It also ensures coherence between ongoing and future health projects, providing a unified structure for collaboration.

PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the organization’s commitment, stating, “PAHO is fully committed to supporting the Mesa Consultiva for Primary Health Care in El Salvador and continuing to provide technical cooperation to ensure health system transformation.”

Representatives from the IDB and the World Bank echoed these sentiments. Olga Gómez of the IDB highlighted the strategic alignment achieved through the initiative: “This model aligns the efforts of PAHO, the IDB, and the World Bank with the country’s priorities, facilitating collaboration with national and regional institutions.” Carine Clert of the World Bank noted the potential impact on human capital, stating, “This initiative maximizes collaboration among development partners and contributes to improving the health of the population while strengthening El Salvador’s human capital.”

Regional Leadership in Primary Health Care

El Salvador’s inclusion in the Alliance for Primary Health Care in the Americas marks it as the 10th member country. Launched in December 2023, the Alliance aims to strengthen investment, innovation, and policy implementation to transform health systems across the region. Its decentralized structure fosters dialogue among partner organizations and countries, supporting the development of tailored interventions to address specific health challenges.

El Salvador’s participation reinforces its commitment to becoming a regional leader in health system innovation, with the Mesa Consultiva providing a blueprint for collaboration and resource optimization.

“This Alliance demonstrates the power of partnerships in creating resilient health systems,” said Minister Alabí. “It is a pivotal step in ensuring a healthier future for all Salvadorans.”