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
Live Poll
Do you believe international health alliances successfully improve the quality of public healthcare in your country?
Noly Fernandez, Vice Minister of Comprehensive Health, received the 2026 PAHO Award for Management and Leadership in Health Services. The honor was presented during the 63rd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization in Washington.
Why it matters
This award recognizes professional career contributions toward public health and intercultural medical practices. Such international recognition highlights the integration of indigenous healthcare strategies within broader national public health frameworks.
The award was presented during the 63rd PAHO Directing Council meeting, which coincided with the 78th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Americas. The event celebrates a 120-year history of cooperation across the region.
The players
Noly Fernandez
She serves as the Vice Minister of Comprehensive Health for the Venezuelan Ministry of Popular Power for Health.
Jarbas Barbosa
He is the Director of the Pan American Health Organization who praised member nations for their primary care and immunization efforts.
Pan American Health Organization
This is an international public health agency working to improve health and living standards in the countries of the Americas.
The details
Noly Fernandez serves as the Vice Minister of Comprehensive Health of the Ministry of Popular Power for Health. During the gathering, health ministers and regional authorities reviewed health progress and discussed strategies for epidemiological security.
Timeline
The 63rd PAHO Directing Council meeting was held in September 2026.
Noly Fernandez received the award in 2026.
The Big Picture
The council meeting functions as a plenary session within the 78th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Americas to coordinate regional policy.
This award highlights the prioritization of indigenous and intercultural medical care within public health systems. Increased focus on these areas may influence future policy standards for medical accessibility and cultural inclusion in national health services.
The takeaway
Recognizing leadership in intercultural care signals a growing emphasis on tailored health delivery for diverse populations. These international forums remain vital for countries to align their domestic strategies with global disease control benchmarks.
Further reading
For more information on regional public health initiatives, visit the Health — General section.
Live Poll
Do you believe international health alliances successfully improve the quality of public healthcare in your country?
