Picture: Meeting with Monsignor Robert J. Vitillo, Head of the International Delegation, Special Advisor on HIV and AIDS for Caritas Internationalis, and PAHO staff members in the Assistant Director's Office (Dr. Jose R. Teruel, second from the left) at PAHO Headquarters, in Washington, D.C. 

Exploring new ways in Health Diplomacy

Since June 2012 I have been engaged in a special ministry as consultant for Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Regional Office of the World Health Organization in the Americas in Washington, DC.

An international Health Agency

Founded in 1902, PAHO is the oldest international public health agency in the world and the only one that is both part of the Inter-American System of Organization of American States as well as of the United Nations System. Its primary mandate is to “promote and coordinate efforts of the countries of the Western Hemisphere to combat disease, lengthen life, and promote the physical and mental health of the people.” PAHO works in close cooperation with national health authorities, and builds on collaborative partnerships with various international, regional and local entities in order to improve the health of the people in the Americas. This endeavor is manifested in a strong focus on prevention and treatment of health conditions and at the same time in addressing the social and environmental determinants that directly impact on health. Besides PAHO’s involvement in the health agenda of the Americas and on the global stage of health diplomacy, it has offices in almost every country of the region that guarantees a proximity to actual living conditions of the people and allows for a closer assessment to develop strategies and effective interventions.

Cooperation with Faith-based Organizations (FBO)

My contribution to PAHO’s mission was to provide advice with regard to new partnership opportunities within the Faith-based sector. I was tasked to map out and approach new potential partner organizations and develop strategies to increase cooperation. This endeavor included establishing a database of Faith-based organizations that are actively involved in the field of health in the Americas and reaching out to them. Together with my colleagues in External Relations, I was able to facilitate telephone-conferences with various groups, to organize informal meetings both on managerial as well as country level, and to brief PAHO leadership and staff on opportunities that an increase of cooperation with FBOs entails with regard to serving PAHO’s goal to improve the health of the people in the Americas.

Why Faith-based Organizations?

During the 65th World Health Assembly in May 2012, Member States agreed to emphasize the social determinants of health in the next General Program of Work and Proposed Program Budget and to adopt a global target of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. These high-level policy decisions reflect a need to reach out beyond the health sector in order to address the social determinants of health. Among the civil society organizations, the Faith-based community includes major health providers in the developing countries who provide a significant amount of health services globally.

Actual State of Affairs

PAHO has undertaken significant outreach to Faith-based organizations as they share many common health objectives and they also enable PAHO to reach the community level. To accomplish this outreach, PAHO has sustained and expanded its collaboration with Faith-based organizations. In the past years, PAHO has established an ongoing dialogue with the Church of Latter Day Saints, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), among others.

Currently Catholic Health Association of the United States, Caritas Internationalis and other large Catholic organizations with focus on Latin America and the Caribbean have been introduced to PAHO and entered the dialogue. PAHO’s aim is to extend further the approach of FBOs, regardless of denomination, in order to improve health and raise standards of living throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Challenges along the way

Despite the many good steps that PAHO has taken in approaching and partnering with the Faith-based community, there are difficulties remaining that emanate from both sides. There are frequently expressed reservations when it comes to cooperation between PAHO and FBOs. The major concern for some of PAHO’s staff members is that FBOs might undermine PAHO’s neutrality by using health projects to proselytize. On the other hand, FBOs are mostly open to evaluate collaboration but tend to fear a domination of their projects by such a large and strong partner. Yet, these and other challenges are not irresolvable. The right steps have been taken on both sides to enter into a deeper dialogue of mutual respect and appreciation of the respective commitment.

Ties with Justice and Peace

I am very grateful for having had the experience as a Carmelite to minister at PAHO this past year.  As Carmelites, we live in the midst of the people, sharing the joys and sorrows of those around us. We so become a sign and a prophetic witness of new relationships, of fraternity and friendship. Called to recognize and address the injustices in the world, we contribute to establishing the kingdom of God.

Pope Francis recently said: “If the investments in the banks fall slightly it is a tragedy, what can be done? But if people die of hunger, if they have nothing to eat, if they have poor health, it does not matter! This is our crisis today!” The year at PAHO proved to me that the UN and its specialized agencies indeed play a central role in facing the real crises of our times and in the search for the common good of humanity. Reviving the ancient idea of the common good is absolutely pressing, and can only be achieved if we manage to stop solely looking after ourselves and instead start to understand that we indeed are our neighbors’ keeper. PAHO and other international actors are right to approach those that are willing and capable to enter into a deeper civil discourse in order to make a change. The Church, and its various ministries, is certainly a good partner with whom to cooperate, for the good of all.

Br. Nepi Willemsen, O.Carm.