The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration (SESPAS) have agreed on joint actions to promote the dissemination of scientific research on systems and services in the region of the Americas.

Both organizations committed themselves to work on improving the quality and availability of such research. The cooperation agreement, signed on 5 September by the Deputy Director of PAHO, Isabella Danel, and the President of SESPAS, Dr Joan Ramon Villalbí Hereter, also seeks to bring quality research to greater  Spanish-speaking audiences in Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain  in order to promote greater knowledge about health systems and services research. Gaceta Sanitaria is the official scientific publication of SESPAS, which will be the focus this cooperation with PAHO.

The agreement seeks to facilitate the application of scientific evidence in health systems and services, the transfer of knowledge and the contributions of disciplines and areas of knowledge that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Agenda 2030.

Gaceta Sanitaria will support cooperation activities and will publish field notes, editorials and PAHO-related sections, among other things. In turn,  PAHO will support the Gaceta Sanitaria with the participation of professionals and technicians in agreed activities. The agreement will be in force for four years.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the oldest international public health organization in the world. It acts as the regional office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is the specialized health agency of the inter-American system

The mission of the Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration (SESPAS) is to contribute to the improvement of health and health care services  in Spain, with a focus on social and health action. It works on the promotion of scientific knowledge and professional development in public health; the organization of meetings that bring together the various areas and perspectives that shape modern public health; and advocacy for social and health problems, both for vulnerable groups and for important health problems and risks.

Gaceta Sanitaria is an international scientific publication that has been in operation for 31 years. It is currently the most impactful Spanish-language journal in the field of public health, and is also available in English. The journal disseminates scientific communications to public health professionals and health administrators and seeks to publish the best research in its field. It offers a forum to discuss public health relevant issues, and health policies. It also promotes reflection on health care models, the organization of public health and its services, and promotes knowledge on public health challenges and their solutions.