Thanks to the commitment of each member of IFIC LatAm and the participants involved, IFIC LatAm has achieved significant results, as evidenced by the nine regular sessions conducted throughout the year. These achievements are presented according to IFIC LatAm's strategic areas:
Consolidation of the IFIC LatAm Structure
Consolidating IFIC LatAm remains a priority, as it strengthens Integrated Care in the Americas Region. During 2024, the group continued to enhance its organizational structure, which includes the General Coordination and Technical Secretariat, the Advisory Board, and the Working Groups. This effort was exemplified by the establishment of IFIC LatAm's first working group on Integrated Care and End-of-Life.
Partnerships for Integrated Health Care
Building partnerships is crucial, particularly during the consolidation process of IFIC LatAm, as it fosters multisectoral action for Integrated Care in the Americas Region. In 2024, the group made significant progress in strengthening coordination for IFIC LatAm's operations and advancing its partnership with the Health Systems and Services (HSS) team at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Research Projects and Activities
In 2024, IFIC LatAm made notable progress in various research initiatives, including:
- The development of the Latin American chapter for the Handbook of Integrated Care.
- The formulation and preparation of the project “Health System Conditions for Scaling Integrated Care in Contexts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico: An Analysis Using the SCIROCCO Tool.”
- The initiative “Priority Research Lines of the Latin American Node of the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC LatAm).”
Knowledge Production and Dissemination Spaces
IFIC LatAm’s participation in knowledge production and dissemination spaces promotes and elevates integrated health care in the Americas Region. Key accomplishments during 2024 include:
- Participation in the 24th International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC24), featuring the organization of a Latin American virtual session.
- Hosting the 2nd Workshop on Integrated Care and End-of-Life: Building a Latin American Community on Integrated Care and End-of-Life.
- Participation in the 7th International Virtual Symposium on Social Primary Care: Inclusion and Diversity in Primary Health Care.
- Involvement in the second session of the Permanent Academic Seminar of the Health Systems Research Center, titled “Service Delivery Models Centered on Primary Health Care”.
- Planning the Latin American session for the 25th International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC25).
Professional Training and Capacity Building in Integrated Health Care
In 2024, IFIC LatAm prioritized professional training and capacity building in integrated care as a cross-cutting focus in its partnerships. Noteworthy progress was achieved in the Latin American chapter for the Handbook of Integrated Care, which is nearing publication. This resource aims to support institutions and professionals interested in integrated care.
Acknowledgments
The year 2024 marked a period of consolidation and projection for IFIC LatAm, characterized by collaboration, learning, and shared commitment. This growth was made possible through the unwavering support of IFIC and the invaluable contributions of each member of the IFIC LatAm team, whose ideas, insights, and actions were instrumental in achieving our goals.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the partners and organizations that accompanied us on this journey, fostering dialogue and co-creation spaces that bring us closer to a more equitable, integrated, and person-centered health system for families and communities across our region.
We look toward 2025 with enthusiasm and conviction, ready to seize new opportunities to strengthen our initiatives and continue positioning integrated care as a cornerstone of health system transformation in Latin America.
Find out more about our achievements in 2024 in our bulletin or contact IFICLatAm@integratedcarefoundation.org