Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., a Brazilian national, was elected Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on September 28, 2022, and began his five-year term on February 1, 2023. Prior to his appointment, he served as PAHO’s Assistant Director from July 2018, overseeing technical departments and the Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines. In this role, he led PAHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was a key spokesperson for the Organization.

Before rejoining PAHO, Dr. Barbosa held senior positions in Brazil’s National Health System, including Vice Minister for Health Surveillance, Vice Minister for Science and Technology, Deputy Minister of Health, and President of ANVISA, Brazil’s health regulatory authority.

He has received several awards and recognitions. He is an honorary member of the Brazilian NAM and an International Member of the U.S. NAM. Dr. Barbosa has published extensively on global health, disease surveillance, and digital transformation.