The Executive Committee of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) opens its 154th session, beginning a week of discussions on strategies and plans for improving health in the countries of the Americas.

Delegates from the Committee’s nine member countries will discuss proposed agenda items for the 53rd PAHO Directing Council, scheduled for 29 September to 3 October 2014. These include strategies and plans for advancing toward universal health coverage, ensuring safe and adequate blood supplies, improving prevention and care for disabilities, promoting mental health, reducing obesity in children and adolescents, preventing blindness and visual impairment, and coordinating humanitarian aid in emergencies.