Nearly 40 per cent of disease burden in the Americas could be averted, PAHO report finds

Nearly 40 per cent of the total disease burden in the Americas could potentially be avoided through more effective prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment, and stronger health systems, according to the latest edition of Health in the Americas, presented by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) during its 63rd Directing Council.

The report finds that people across the region are living longer than ever, but not necessarily healthier lives. Life expectancy reached 77.1 years in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Between 2000 and 2023, it increased by nearly four years, while healthy life expectancy increased by only around a year and a half.

“The findings are compelling. Nearly 40 per cent of the region’s total disease burden is potentially avertable,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.