OBJECTIVES: The global development agenda is focusing on strengthening health systems. One key area is the equitable, rational and efficient use of medicines, for which Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) is a reliable tool. Hence, international health and development organizations are pushing for HTA implementation in the Americas. The aim of this study was to explore the role of these organizations in advancing HTA implementation in the region.

METHODS: We targeted critical health (Pan-American Health Organization, PAHO) and development (Interamerican Development Bank, IDB) organizations with a focus on the Americas. Desk research on official websites and press release articles was conducted to identify their involvement in HTA initiatives. A descriptive, thematic analysis was conducted on the information retrieved.

RESULTS: We found that both the PAHO and BID are engaging in initiatives to support HTA implementation in the Americas, particularly in South and Central America. While both agencies have engaged in initiatives to provide technical expertise and conduct educational conferences and seminars, a key joint initiative is the establishment of RedETSA (Red de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas) in 2011, which is the most important HTA network in the Americas. Following its establishment, RedETSA members have reported overcoming challenges that have historically acted as barriers for HTA implementation, such as low HTA education and poor communication. These have been addressed by allowing members to learn from shared HTA experiences communicated across different activities offered by RedETSA. Moreover, non RedETSA members have reported additional financial/economic challenges compared to RedETSA members.

CONCLUSIONS: International health and development organizations are supporting HTA implementation in the Americas, seeking to reduce HTA challenges in the region through cooperative and collaborative initiatives. While these initiatives advance, both policy-makers and manufacturers at the country level should consider their implications on their public and private agendas and decision-making.