Regional Health Governance Study (RHGS) Research Program

Hybrid Symposium, University of Dayton School of Law, Ohio, USA

The RHGS team participated in a hybrid research symposium hosted at the University of Dayton School of Law to advance discussions on regional health governance across the Americas. The event brought together legal scholars, policy experts, and human rights practitioners to explore how regional institutions can strengthen preparedness, cooperation, and equity in public health systems.

Session 1 — Agenda Setting

Keynote Address

Project Lead Dr. Uchechukwu Ngwaba emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation and solidarity in health governance. He underscored how the Inter-American System could play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among member states to improve health outcomes and enhance resilience to future pandemics.

Presentation of Concept Note

Dr. Ngwaba and Professor Carlos Bernal presented a concept note titled “Adequate Preparedness and Response to Future Pandemics through the Creation of a Regional Framework for Health Governance within the Inter-American Human Rights System.”
The presentation outlined a proposed regional health governance framework grounded in human rights principles and focused on preparedness, response, and cooperation during public health crises.

Special Rapporteur’s Reflections

Ms. Soledad García Muñoz, speaking through a representative of the IACHR & REDESCA, reflected on the region’s pandemic response and highlighted ongoing challenges and opportunities for strengthened cooperation.

Session 2 — Discussion Segment

The symposium’s second session featured expert-led discussions on critical themes shaping regional health governance:

• Health–Environment Nexus
  Dr. Christopher Campbell-Duruflé examined the intersections of environmental issues and health governance across the region.
• Intellectual Property & Health Rights
  Dr. Olasupo Owoeye discussed how regional coordination on intellectual property rights could promote health equity and expand access to essential medical technologies.
• Human Dignity in Public Health
  Dr. Rojin Habibi emphasized the importance of human rights–based approaches in public health emergency responses.
• PAHO’s Role
  Dr. Pedro Villarreal explored PAHO’s influence on regional health decision-making and policy guidance.
• Vaccines & Innovation
  Professor Dalindyebo Shabalala highlighted pathways for strengthening regional vaccine innovation and distribution systems.