The Pan American Health Organization Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, addressed the executive board of the World Health Organization (WHO), in Geneva, Switzerland, last Thursday.

The Director spoke of PAHO's experience in tackling mosquito-borne diseases and its efforts to stem the spread of the Zika.

"This meeting marks a vital step in our efforts to halt the spread of Zika," Dr. Etienne said. "We must work together to prevent the further spread of this potentially debilitating disease. Although we must still establish causality with Zika, we cannot tolerate the prospect of more babies being born with neurological malformations, and more people facing the threat of paralysis due to Guillain–Barré syndrome."

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves, eventually paralyzing the entire body, while microcephaly is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is significantly smaller than other infants of the same age. Microcephaly usually is the result of the brain developing abnormally in the womb.

Brazil first reported cases of Zika Virus Disease to PAHO last May, and a surge in microcephaly in October.

"I congratulate Brazil and all the other 21 countries in the Americas for their prompt reporting under International Health Regulations (IHR). This is key," Dr. Etienne said. "Since May 2015, we have issued monthly epidemiological alerts advising countries what to do if they have Zika cases, and through weekly meetings with the national IHR focal points, we have kept all countries informed about the evolving situation.

"However, many unanswered questions remain about the links between Zika Virus Disease, microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome."

To this end, PAHO has convened experts from Brazil and the international community to improve epidemiological understanding, while an expert group will produce recommendations to help countries improve surveillance and follow-up.

PAHO has also worked with member states to mobilize community engagement particularly around vector control.

The organization has been working in partnership with US CDC, the Pasteur Institute, and Fiocruzand.