Costa Rica participated on April 4 in the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Health Ministers of Central America and the Dominican Republic (COMISCA) and an intersectoral meeting with agricultural and environmental authorities, according to an April 10 announcement by the Ministry of Health.
The meetings focused on strengthening regional cooperation in public health. Officials discussed strategies for improving preparedness and response to health emergencies, emphasizing collaboration among neighboring countries.
During COMISCA’s extraordinary session, Costa Rican Vice President and Minister of Health Mary Munive Angermüller highlighted the ALERTO Project. This initiative aims to enhance epidemiological surveillance, train healthcare personnel, and reinforce the national laboratory network. The project also includes developing protocols, early warning systems, improvements in diagnostic capabilities such as genomic surveillance, and applying a One Health approach.
Recommendations were also presented regarding the Central American Policy for Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (PCGIR), aiming to improve prevention, preparedness, and response measures aligned with international commitments through 2030.
In a subsequent intersectoral meeting involving leaders from health, agriculture, and environment sectors, participants addressed priority topics using an integrated approach. These discussions are intended to foster coordinated responses among countries facing complex public health challenges.
“The Ministry of Health reiterates its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and implementing innovative strategies that contribute to protecting population health and sustainable development,” said Munive Angermüller.
