THE Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) yesterday launched local celebrations to mark the organisation’s 100th anniversary since its founding in Washington DC, United States in 1902.

PAHO, the world’s oldest international public health agency, has been collaborating with countries of the Western Hemisphere to improve the health and well-being of its peoples.

At yesterday’s launch at Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Health Minister John Junor announced that among the planned activities for the year-long celebrations is the ‘Eighth International Diabetes Conference on Diabetes and Obesity’ to be held in March and the honouring of 11 regional and local “health heroes”.

The 11 “heroes”, he said, will include Jamaica’s Sir Kenneth Livingston Standard, who was also named among 11 health pioneers selected by PAHO/WHO to be honoured for contribution to the field of public health in the region. Standard is the founding president of the Caribbean Public Health Association and is known for his work in maternal, child health and nutrition and community involvement in public health and medical education.

“It is very fitting that he (Standard) should lead all awards for his work done over the years,” said Junor, who is also chairman of the Jamaican PAHO/WHO Centennial Planning Committee.

He said four health festivals will be held at various venues in Ocho Rios and Kingston, three of which will coincide with World Tobacco Day, May 31; World Heart Day, September 24; and World Diabetes Day, November 14.

Yesterday, PAHO also launched its hemisphere-wide Public Health Reporting Award, which is open to journalists and was established to recognise excellence in the coverage of international public health issues.

Two additional essays were also launched — the Centennial Essay Contest under the theme ‘Celebrating 100 years of Health’ and open to children between the ages 13 and 18, and a Centennial poster contest, ‘Partnerships for Health’– designed to bring out the artistic sides of children between the ages of six and 12.

Junor commended PAHO for “being a faithful partner” and for the organisation’s continued support to healthcare in Jamaica.