[Bioethics in the context of global health programs]

This work describes the Regional Program on Bioethics of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the Program's main achievements. The Program was established in 1994 under a three-way agreement with the University of Chile and the Government of Chile. The Program's objective is to thematically link the work of the PAHO/WHO units and representatives in each country, in close cooperation with local public and private organizations. The Program investigates such subjects as the health of poor people, priority-setting, the growth of the private sector, salaries and incentives in the public sector, investment in hospitals, health sector reform, professional education, and working together for development. Finally, the direction and heading of the Program are presented. Its efforts are carried out as promotional, support, and service activities. These activities take the form of technical assistance for personnel training, public information dissemination, ethical situation analysis in research and services, reviewing curricula and professional practice standards, and advising on specific plans and programs.