Brief
PAHO reports Americas moving toward interoperable digital health highway
Health ministers from Chile, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago discussed progress and challenges at a PAHO Directing Council session.
By Felo News Desk · Published
At a briefing of the Pan American Health Organization’s 63rd Directing Council in Washington, D.C., officials said countries across the Americas are advancing digital health tools and aim to create a trusted, cross‑border health information highway.
PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa noted that “digital transformation helps health systems serve people better,” emphasizing the need for secure, interoperable exchange of records.
Ministers of Health from Chile, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago highlighted national steps: Chile’s expansion of its Digital Hospital and electronic prescriptions, El Salvador’s broadened connectivity and digital services, and Trinidad and Tobago’s electronic prescriptions, digital imaging and vaccination records, alongside cybersecurity investments.
While many nations have adopted electronic health records, telehealth and digital prescriptions, officials warned that isolated systems create information silos, limiting benefits such as reduced waiting times and stronger surveillance.
Key facts
- PAHO held a briefing on 29 Sept 2026 about a digital health highway for the Americas (paho.org)
- Chile, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago shared national digital health progress (paho.org)
- PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said digital transformation helps health systems serve people better (paho.org)
Sources
- [1] paho.org — originally reported as “Countries of the Americas advance a health sector digital highway to connect care across borders”
