The United States and Uruguay have announced a new partnership to support epidemiological research and information sharing, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) committing $760,000 to the initiative. The announcement was made by Ambassador Heide B. Fulton alongside Uruguay's Health Minister Dr. Rando.
Ambassador Fulton stated, "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, our societies have faced significant health challenges. To overcome these challenges in an interconnected world where infectious diseases spread rapidly, strengthening connections between public health experts is critical to detect and rapidly respond to outbreaks of infectious diseases."
Uruguay has received recognition for its approach during the COVID-19 emergency, which focused on science-based decision-making. According to Ambassador Fulton, "Uruguay exemplified science-based decision-making during the COVID-19 emergency, capturing global praise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has collaborated with Uruguayan health authorities since 2021 to help enhance Uruguay’s health information systems and improve public health decision-making for communicable diseases. This collaboration and exchange of information has been mutually beneficial for our health authorities. We have learned from each other."
The funding will be used to implement a project aimed at strengthening epidemiological studies and enhancing data sharing capabilities between both countries' health agencies. The project includes investments in advanced laboratory equipment such as a next generation sequencer, a thermocycler, and real-time PCR testing units intended to boost Uruguay’s capacity to detect viral respiratory diseases.
Ambassador Fulton highlighted the collaborative nature of this effort: "I am proud to announce that we are deepening our collaboration with Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health and have committed $760,000 dollars to implement a project that will strengthen epidemiological studies and information sharing. With the assistance of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), we successfully launched this initiative including significant investments in equipment like a 'next generation' sequencer, a thermocycler, and a real time PCR testing unit that will enhance Uruguay’s ability to detect and respond to a variety of viral respiratory diseases. This first step aims to deepen scientific collaboration between the United States and Uruguay."
The ongoing partnership also seeks to support efforts such as developing a national epidemiological observatory in Uruguay, improving understanding of immunization programs, vaccine effectiveness, and building robust public health infrastructure.
"The U.S. has contributed to Uruguay’s public health sector in many ways," said Ambassador Fulton. She noted past cooperation included donating mobile field hospitals during the pandemic response, providing emergency respirators for newborns, and supplying 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
Looking ahead, CDC representatives are scheduled to visit Uruguay next week for further discussions with local officials about implementing this project as well as identifying additional areas for future collaboration.
Ambassador Fulton concluded: "I’d like to personally thank Minister Rando and Vice Minister Satdjian for being such excellent partners. I am both excited and proud of this cooperation and I look forward to continuing our partnership that will benefit both our countries."