New PAHO report shows NCDs continue as main cause of death and disability in the Americas, warns countries to prepare health systems for rapidly aging population – PAHO/WHO

Washington DC, June 28, 2024 – A new report released by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reveals that while overall life expectancy has increased in the Americas, so has the number of people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Rapid population aging has led to an increase in poor health and disabilities caused by noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The report urges countries in the Americas to take action to address the challenges posed to health systems by the Region’s aging population.

The report, Leading Causes of Death and Burden of Disease in the Americas: Noncommunicable Diseases and External Causes, analyzes the burden of disease and mortality in the Americas from 2000 to 2019, focusing on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes; mental and substance use disorders and neurological conditions; as well as unintentional and intentional injuries (or external causes).

The report found that the total number of deaths increased by 31% between 2000 and 2019 in the Americas, a larger percentage increase than in any other World Health Organization (WHO) region. Overall, NCDs dominated as the leading cause of death in the region, with a mortality rate of 412 per 100,000 in 2019 for women and men combined.

“NCDs and external causes remain a major challenge, not only for health systems, but also for the social and economic development of the Americas,” said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO. “It is critical that countries implement proven interventions to reduce risk factors, as well as to strengthen the provision of quality care at the primary health level.”

According to the report, the growth and rapid aging of the Americas’ population contributed to a 31% increase in the total number of deaths over the past two decades. The region’s population also grew from 829 million to 1.01 billion. Over the same period, there was a 5 percentage point increase in the number of people aged 40 to 64 years and a 3 percentage point increase in people aged 65 years and older. This demographic shift could challenge unprepared health systems, and the report urges countries to prepare for a rising incidence of NCDs as populations live longer.

The percentage of deaths from NCDs and external causes increased from 87% to 90% between 2000 and 2019, with the most significant increase being in deaths from mental and substance use disorders and neurological conditions (179%).

The report also notes that despite an increase in the absolute number of deaths, the mortality rate from NCDs and injuries decreased by 17.2% and 8% respectively, contributing to an increase in life expectancy and also the number of people living with NCDs in the Region.

The report highlights persistent disparities. The NCD mortality rate in the Latin Caribbean is approximately 1.5 times higher than in the Andean subregion. Furthermore, across the region, men experienced consistently higher mortality and disability rates than women due to a higher burden of cardiovascular diseases and cancers, as well as elevated rates of interpersonal violence. However, women were significantly more likely to experience intimate partner violence. In terms of mental health, men were more likely to suffer from alcohol and drug use disorders, while women suffered higher rates of anxiety and depression disorders.

PAHO continues to work to support countries in the Americas in implementing public health solutions, health system innovations, and policy interventions to address the challenges posed by NCDs. This includes the implementation of the Better Care for NCDs initiative, which aims to strengthen health system capacity to plan and implement quality, comprehensive NCD services at the primary health care level.