PAHO strengthens regional dialogue to prevent and respond to violence against health workers

Washington, D.C., September 18, 2026 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) brought together about 400 participants from 34 countries in the Region for a virtual seminar to analyze the challenges posed by violence against health workers and promote comprehensive responses for its prevention and management.

Additionally, a new factsheet titled Preventing violence against health workers in the Region of the Americas was presented. Aimed at policymakers, health managers, and health professionals-among others-the document seeks to raise awareness of the issue and promote comprehensive responses to protect health workers and strengthen the resilience of health systems.

Violence against health workers constitutes a major challenge for public health, human rights, and the functioning of health systems. Globally, it is estimated that around 62% of health workers have experienced some form of workplace violence. In a study conducted across 22 countries-20 of them in Latin America-approximately two out of three health workers reported having suffered some type of aggression during the past year.

The meeting, titled "Prevention and Response to Violence Against Health Workers in the Americas," convened representatives from ministries of health, health professionals, professional associations, academia, and other stakeholders from the Region to exchange experiences, identify lessons learned, and discuss priority actions to protect those working in health systems.

"A message we want to highlight from the start of this conversation is that violence against health workers should not be considered an inevitable part of the job. Violence is preventable, and preventing it requires comprehensive and sustained responses," noted Britta Baer, ​​PAHO Regional Advisor on Violence Prevention and Response.

The exchange addressed, among other topics, progress regarding regulations to protect health workers in Chile; Colombia's experience in protecting medical missions in contexts of armed conflict and other situations of violence; the challenges nursing professionals face regarding violence and harassment; instances of violence affecting health personnel in intensive care units; and the impact of firearm violence on health workers and health systems.

Drawing on these experiences, panelists highlighted the importance of translating recognition of the problem into concrete prevention and response measures. These measures should combine robust regulatory frameworks, safe working environments, accessible and confidential reporting mechanisms, staff training, support for affected individuals, and improved data collection and utilization.

It was also emphasized that preventing violence requires a response that extends beyond health facilities and strengthens collaboration with other sectors, including professional associations, workers' organizations, academia, and communities.

At the close of the meeting, Yohana Díaz de Valle, Regional Advisor on Professional Education for the Health Workforce Unit at PAHO, highlighted that "protecting the safety, health, and well-being of personnel is fundamental to strengthening the resilience of health systems and ensuring quality services for the entire population."
This initiative is part of PAHO's efforts to strengthen evidence, regional dialogue, and country capacities to prevent and respond to violence against health workers in the Americas.

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