The U.S., Canada and Mexico have agreed to share public health data during emergencies.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Canada’s Health Minister Rona Ambrose and Mexico’s Health Secretary Mercedes Juan inked the agreement Tuesday at an assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, HHS said Tuesday.
The Declaration of Intent covers work to help in the adoption of health information sharing guidelines between the three governments.
“This declaration reinforces our joint efforts to strengthen our national capabilities to communicate effectively with our respective populations,†Sebelius said.
“This Declaration will help our countries work together on the essential task of communicating more effectively on public health issues, which will protect the health of all of our citizens,†Ambrose added.
The governments will also conduct short communications exercise annually and regular meetings to review and amend the Declaration of Intent.
