United States, Canada and Mexico Agree to Mutual Assistance During Public Health Emergencies

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the United States has recently made an agreement for mutual assistance during public health emergencies with Canada and Mexico.

This recent agreement was agreed upon by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Ministry of Health of the United Mexican States, along with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Its chief goal is to maintain the well-being, health, and the quality of life for all the residents of the area by strengthening the controlling, surveillance, and prevention of spreadable diseases and cross-border coordination.

"The health of our three nations relies upon our cooperation with and assistance to each other in times of need," Secretary Leavitt said. "As North American neighbors, we owe it to our citizens to work together whenever possible to minimize the spread and impact of an infectious disease outbreak or other public health emergency that may affect our nations."

"International collaboration is important in protecting the health security of our citizens, and those of the international community," Minister Clement said. "Threats to public health and safety transcend borders and this agreement represents a meaningful step forward in improving our nations' readiness to deal with these threats."

This new agreement is known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU and was signed by Canadian Minister of Health Tony Clement, Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos, Mexican Secretary of Health, as well as United States HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. During public health emergencies, this agreement sets examples of what each country can provide to another as a type of aid, as well as what another country can accept during a public health emergency. No matter what type of aid, this agreement enforces commitment if possible.

"The signing of this memorandum reflects a true cooperative intention from our nations to join forces during exceptional public health emergencies of international concern, and may be used as a model for other countries and regions of the world," said Secretary Cordova Villalobos. "In working together to consolidate this effort, I am sure that we will find numerous opportunities to keep growing together as a region."

This new agreement is a great tool to help out countries in need, especially after all of the recent deadly catastrophes that have been occurring. It is also surprising for many who claim that the United States is always helping other countries and yet we get nothing in return. This most definitely proves this statement false for the future.

SOURCE

PRnewswire