[A view of the representation of the Pan-American Health Organization in Mexico with respect to support for molecular epidemiology].

In spite of the fact that epidemiology has the same commitments that in the past, in terms of political orientation, the changes of the epidemiological patterns offer new challenges. The scientific and technological development gives new tools for a better knowledge of the behaviour of diseases in populations. This is the case of molecular biology, which provides with the option of identifying risk factors in individuals and in populations. Several developing countries including Mexico, have satisfactory epidemiology programs and research groups in molecular biology contributing to the better epidemiological understanding. IMETAF is a collaborative network to reinforce infrastructure, support projects and personnel training. The World Health Organization, the Panamerican Health Organization and consequently, the Mexico Representation of the mentioned Organizations, contribute to the development of modern technology related to epidemiological tasks.