Noly Fernandez Received PAHO Health Leadership Award
The Venezuelan health official was honored for her contributions to indigenous medical care and public health systems.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Health — General
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Noly Fernandez, Vice Minister of Comprehensive Health for Venezuela, was presented with the 2026 PAHO Award for Management and Leadership in Health Services. The honor recognizes her long-term career focus on public health and intercultural medical practices.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the importance of integrating indigenous health frameworks into broader national systems. Such efforts are vital for improving healthcare equity and expanding access to care for diverse populations.
The award marks a milestone in a 120-year history of Pan-American cooperation in public health. It recognizes specific contributions to indigenous medical care, though the specific quantitative impact of these care models remains under evaluation.
The players
Noly Fernandez
The Vice Minister of Comprehensive Health of the Ministry of Popular Power for Health in Venezuela.
Pan American Health Organization
An international public health agency that works to improve health and living standards in the Americas.
Jarbas Barbosa
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization who oversees regional efforts in primary care and disease control.
The details
The PAHO Directing Council meeting provides a forum for health ministers across the Americas to standardize strategies for epidemiological security and disease control. Leaders review regional progress in immunization and primary care while forming strategic alliances to strengthen public health infrastructure. These international sessions help facilitate cooperation on disease surveillance and health service management across the region.
Timeline
The 63rd PAHO Directing Council was held in September 2026.
Noly Fernandez received the award in 2026.
Health Landscape
This development aligns with the strategic priorities set by the WHO Regional Committee for the Americas. It reflects a growing institutional focus on regional cooperation to strengthen primary care and epidemiological security.
This news highlights the ongoing regional efforts to integrate cultural competence into public health services. Patients who receive care in intercultural or indigenous-focused programs may see increased emphasis on traditional medical practices within their clinical settings.
The takeaway
Recognizing leadership in intercultural care underscores the vital role of diverse health perspectives in strengthening public systems. Readers interested in regional health equity can monitor PAHO progress reports regarding their primary care and immunization targets.
Further reading
For more on international public health initiatives, see Health — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Últimas Noticias.
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