It works with countries throughout the region to improve and protect people's health. PAHO engages in technical cooperation with its member countries to fight communicable and noncommunicable diseases and their causes, to strengthen health systems, and to respond to emergencies and disasters.

PAHO receives funding through quota contributions from its Member States, allocations from WHO, and voluntary contributions from governments, international organizations, and private and public sector organizations. As Regional Office for the Americas of WHO, PAHO is a member of the United Nations System.

Jarbas Barbosa, a national of Brazil, was elected Director of the Pan American Health Organization by Member States during the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference on 28 September 2022. Dr. Barbosa begins his five-year term on 1 February 2023, succeeding Dr. Carissa F.