PAHO Warns of Logistical Disruptions and Shipping Delays

Freight costs have risen 20-100% with average delays of 1 week, PAHO says.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:24am

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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an advisory about significant global logistics challenges stemming from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. PAHO has observed increases ranging from 20% to over 100% in air and maritime freight costs, as well as average delivery delays of approximately one week, with the potential for greater impacts in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

These logistical disruptions could significantly impact the timely delivery of critical medical supplies and equipment to PAHO member states in the Caribbean and Latin America. PAHO is working to prioritize shipments, adjust routes, and keep ministries informed, but is encouraging members to review planned shipments and consider postponing non-essential orders.

The details

The closure of airspaces, ports, and key logistics hubs, along with restrictions on fuel supply, is reducing global transport capacity. This is resulting in delivery delays and substantial increases in freight costs, especially for supplies produced in Asia that are being rerouted through Europe.

  • PAHO has observed these logistical challenges over the past several weeks.
  • The situation has the potential for greater impacts in the coming weeks.

The players

PAHO

The Pan American Health Organization, the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System.

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What’s next

PAHO is working closely with suppliers and freight forwarders to prioritize critical shipments, adjust routes, and keep ministries and consignees informed of any changes to delivery plans.

The takeaway

The ongoing global logistics crisis stemming from the Middle East conflict is causing significant disruptions to the timely delivery of essential medical supplies to PAHO member states. Proactive planning and coordination between PAHO and its members will be crucial to mitigating the impact of these challenges.