Impulsa-RISS defines work priorities to advance Integrated Health Services Networks in the Americas

Washington, D.C., August 15, 2026 (PAHO) - Members of the Regional Network to Advance Integrated Health Service Delivery Networks (Impulsa-RISS) participated in a new General Assembly, bringing together representatives from from ministries and government secretariats, academic institutions, and other actors that make up this regional cooperation platform. During the meeting, the Technical Working Groups presented and discussed operational proposals aimed at defining the priorities that will begin to be developed during the current year.

"The strength of this network lies in the experience that each country contributes. We are moving toward practical tools that will help strengthen integrated health services networks and build shared solutions to common regional challenges," said Marcela Cuadrado, member of the Board of the State Health Services Administration (ASSE) of Uruguay and Chair of the Impulsa-RISS Executive Committee.

Impulsa-RISS was created as a regional platform to promote the exchange of experiences, capacity-building, and the development of tools that support the implementation of Integrated Health Services Networks (IHSNs) across the countries of the Americas. Its purpose is to support the consolidation of more coordinated, people-centered health systems based on Primary Health Care through collaboration among institutions and teams from different countries in the Region.

The Assembly focused on reviewing the work plans developed by the four Technical Working Groups, with the objective of identifying concrete products that can contribute to strengthening IHSNs at the territorial level.

The initiatives presented addressed strategic areas for the development of IHSNs, including the territorial organization of care and service delivery, the strengthening and management of human resources, participatory governance, and intersectoral action. Together, these proposals aim to develop technical support instruments, shared learning spaces, evaluation mechanisms, and opportunities for exchange that can be adapted to different national contexts.

The discussions reflected the collaborative spirit that gave origin to Impulsa-RISS. Participants agreed that the diversity of experiences represented within the network offers an opportunity to accelerate learning and share solutions. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties among members, sustaining collaborative working mechanisms, and consolidating a community of practice focused on promoting tangible improvements in the organization and management of health services.

In his closing remarks, Ernesto Báscolo, Chief of PAHO's Primary Health Care and Integrated Service Delivery Unit, emphasized that "Impulsa-RISS is becoming a space for cooperation among countries to transform experiences and knowledge into concrete actions that strengthen service integration and enhance the responsiveness of health systems."

As a result of the meeting, the Assembly advanced the identification of priority products for the 2026-2027 period and reaffirmed members' commitment to developing regional tools that contribute to strengthening IHSNs and improving people's access to timely, integrated, and quality health services.

The Assembly included representatives from Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, México, Paraguay, República Dominicana, and Uruguay, as well as technical teams from PAHO.