Uruguay nominated its Minister of Health to lead the Pan American Organization

Uruguay nominated its Minister of Public Health, Daniel Salinas, to head the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), as he himself confirmed to the press following the Fourth Extraordinary Meeting of Mercosur and Associates Ministers of Health.

“It's another challenge, but it's nothing more than an application. Let's not freak out. It is a nomination, there are many candidates, there is a lot of time ahead for other candidates to run, so we have to take it naturally and calmly,” he told the press after the newspaper El Observador released the news on Tuesday.

Salinas, who has been a member of Luis Lacalle Pou's cabinet since the beginning of his term (March 1, 2020), is active in Cabildo Abierto (CA, right), one of the five parties of the governing coalition.

His work during the COVID-19 pandemic has made him the most valued minister in the cabinet, and there was even speculation that he could take a leading role in Uruguayan political life ahead of the 2024 elections.

“My expectation was always medical. My point of view was always a medical point of view and theories are made by others. My expectation was always to be a servant in medicine and I understand that that is my point and I try to do everything possible,” said Salinas on Tuesday, who should leave the Ministry if elected.

In the opinion of the Uruguayan minister, the candidacy is “a high honor”, although, for the time being, “we must continue to work hard for the health” of Uruguay, he said.

PAHO, the American division of the World Health Organization (WHO), holds elections during the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference, to be held from September 26 to 30, 2022.

The deadline for nominations is 1 May.

The director who relieved Dominicana Carissa Faustina Etienne will take office on February 1, 2023 and will end on January 31, 2028.

(With information from EFE)

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