Health Situation in the Americas. Basic Health Indicators 2011

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The publication “Health Situation in the Americas. Basic Indicators 2011” of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) presents the latest available information on basic health indicators for 48 countries/territories in the Region of the Americas.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death in the Americas, accounting for 76% of all deaths during 2007-2009. Among NCDs.

This edition highlights diabetes mellitus because of its high prevalence among NCDs. Estimates indicate that around 55 million people live with diabetes in the Region in 2010. It also includes a thematic map that shows the avoidable mortality from diabetes mellitus for the population under 50 years of age in the Region of the Americas and the mortality trend of diabetes for the past 10 years, showing the different death risks and inequities among countries.

Recommendation: 

• To maintain the priorities of action for prevention and control of NCDs, such as integrated and intersectorial interventions, including access to quality health care in a timely and efficient manner. 
• Risk factors such as obesity, tobacco use, and inactivity should be addressed and economic and social determinants need to be improved.

The information presented in this brochure has been compiled, processed and reviewed by PAHO/WHO technical staff in collaboration with staff from the ministries of health and planning and statistics offices in the Americas.

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