“Pandemics Shape History:” HHS Secretary in Panamá to Reinforce the Need for Preparations for a Pandemic Influenza in the Americas

June 8, 2006 - The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), set the stage by speaking of the horrible toll of past pandemics and their impact on the cities and countries of Central America at a meeting of the 24th Meeting and Forum of the Council of the Central American Ministers of Health (COMISCA) held in Panamá City, Republic of Panamá. He carried the message of the four principles of pandemic preparedness: transparency; rapid reporting; data-sharing; and scientific cooperation. Outlining U.S. efforts to prepare for a pandemic influenza, Secretary Leavitt said, “ We are also investing in research, research that is likely to benefit not only the citizens of the United States, but also citizens of the world.” He went on to express appreciation for Panamá's leadership in monitoring infections in both migratory birds and people to enhance early detection of a pandemic influenza in the Western hemisphere.

The Honorable Camilo Alleyne, M.D., Minister of Health of Panamá, opened the meeting and, in addition, Secretary Leavitt met with his counterparts, the Ministers of Health and their representatives from the Republics of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panamá. The Honorable Martin Torrijos Espino, President of the Republic of Panamá, and the First Lady of Panamá, Vivian Fernández de Torrijos, also attended the COMISCA meeting.

Traveling to the Cuidad del Saber (City of Knowledge), Secretary Leavitt witnessed the opening of an HIV/AIDS Observatory, a COMISCA project. He then went to Santo Tomas Hospital, and talked with and answered questions from over 150 medical students.

On April 14, 2006, Secretary Leavitt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HHS, the Ministry of Health of Panamá and the Gorgas Memorial Institute (GMI). Panamá's Gorgas Memorial Institute is a critical part of a worldwide network of surveillance being strengthened to prepare for a pandemic influenza. For more than 80 years, GMI has been the place for a productive partnership between the United States and Panamá in the fight against infectious diseases.

The Panamanian Government created the Gorgas Memorial Institute to honor Dr. William Gorgas, then Surgeon General of the United States Army, who helped eradicate yellow fever on the Isthmus of Panamá, a key factor in enabling the construction of the Panamá Canal.

Remarks by Secretary Leavitt, 24th Meeting and Forum of the Council of the Central American Ministers of Health (COMISCA)

The U.S. Agency for International Development is working closely with the Pan American Health Organization on improving avian influenza preparedness: http://www.usaid.gov/press/factsheets/2006/fs060516.html

Last revised: October 11, 2007