The purpose of this Andean Integration System agency is to coordinate and support the efforts made by member countries, both individually and jointly, for health improvement of their people.

It is responsible for coordinating and fostering actions aimed at improving the health level of member countries, giving priority to cooperation mechanisms that promote development of subregional systems and methodologies. In this context, any actions carried out for such purposes are properly coordinated with the other subregional, regional and international organizations.

Its direction is set by the Andean Social Agenda structure, the health component of which is fundamental, and its participation in the integration process of the peoples in the subregion is more and more crucial.

The incorporation of the Hipólito Unanue Agreement into the CAN institutional structure was accomplished through Decision 445, approved by the Andean Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers on August 10, 1998.