Programs were instituted by PAHO to develop and disseminate national policies, prepare manuals for its clinical treatment, and organize specialized, and master's-level courses aimed at strengthening local health systems of countries most affected by the disease, namely Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. PAHO has worked with countries to develop a package of basic health services and to devise mechanisms for monitoring the process of health care. The periodic meetings of the First Ladies of the Americas have given important impetus to progress on health problems. Summit governments have taken a wide range of national actions on health. Mexico has launched an ambitious five-year National Program of Action in Support of Infants and Children.
Child mortality is a significant issue in the hemisphere.
Infant mortality rates range from seven per 1,000 live births in Canada to 98 per 1,000 in Haiti. Most other Caribbean countries, as well as Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela, all have between 10 and 30 per 1000. Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay all have levels ranging from 20 to 49 per 100,000 live births. Bolivia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras and Peru have above 150 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The remaining countries in the hemisphere show rates in the 50 to 149 range.