Description
RIMSA is a regional forum for collaboration and coordination on issues related
to veterinary public health (e.g., prevention and control of zoonotic and
foodborne diseases, eradication of foot-and-mouth disease, and measures
related to food safety). It is the only such forum with the participation of the
Ministers of Health and Agriculture from Pan American Health Organization
(PAHO) Member States. Through RIMSA, PAHO receives the political support
necessary to develop technical cooperation in these countries. RIMSA takes into
account both the countries' commitment and the impact of decisions made on
the countries' economy and on the health of its population.
Purpose
RIMSA's main function is to unite the national authorities from the health and
agricultural sectors, at ministerial level, thus creating the political conditions
necessary for the debate on country needs and on PAHO proposals in the area
of veterinary public health.
Scope International – in the Region of the Americas
Primary Funders
PAHO (individual RIMSA meetings may have additional sponsors)
Participants & Key Collaborators
Ministers of Agriculture, Ministers of Health, and other high-level political
authorities from PAHO Member States; the PAHO Veterinary Public Health
Unit; the World Health Organization (WHO).
Definition of One Health
No specific definition of One Health is stated in the description of RIMSA
online; however, the final report of the 2005 meeting a "One Health" approach
was highlighted: "An intersectoral approach to health and agriculture is crucial
in order to understand and to take action to prevent and control zoonotic
diseases that pose a potential threat to the public health and economy of
countries."
Monitoring & Evaluation Strategy
PAHO defines strategic and programmatic goals every four years. No formal
monitoring and evaluation strategy is provided online regarding RIMSA.
Sources of Information
PAHO Website: http://www.paho.org/english/ad/dpc/vp/rimsa-home.htm
Contact (unknown)
PAHO Headquarters in Washington,DC
