Public Health Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean

Introduction to the Challenges

MEXICO, CMC – The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, has underscored the need to address public health challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addressing the inauguration of the Mexican National Institute of Public Health’s (INSP) 20th Public Health Research Congress 2025, Barbosa highlighted the challenges facing public health in Latin America and the Caribbean, which are characterized by demographic transition, persistent inequities, and setbacks resulting from the pandemic.

Despite this, he presented concrete proposals to address these challenges and underscored the progress achieved.

The Priority Health Agenda

During his lecture, “The Priority Health Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Dr. Barbosa stated that “the Region of the Americas is the most inequitable in the world. “He emphasized the stark disparities between countries, from the wealthiest nation, the United States, to the poorest, Haiti, whose health conditions are severely affected by political and social instability.

Additionally, he mentioned internal inequities within countries, noting that “disparities in health indicators and outcomes, such as mortality, are a fundamental characteristic of our region, which compels us to actively seek out the vulnerable, identify the barriers that hinder their access to health, and take measures to overcome them.”

Aging Population and Health Systems

The PAHO director also addressed the region’s aging population, which represents an imminent challenge for health systems.

He said that, in 2015, only 8 percent of the population was over 60 years old and that, by 2030, one in six region inhabitants will be older than that, warning about the additional pressure that this trend places on public services.

Dr. Barbosa highlighted that life expectancy has increased in the region thanks to advances such as vaccines and the reduction in infant mortality. However, he warned that these additional years must be lived equitably and healthily.

“It’s not just about living more years, but ensuring they are quality years, where people can fully enjoy life and contribute to development, without an increase in disability,” he said.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The PAHO director acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic deepened pre-existing inequities in the region, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable, who faced limited access to health services and difficulties in following public health recommendations, which increased mortality.

However, he also emphasized that “the pandemic, although challenging, left us with important lessons.

“We are currently working with countries in the region to strengthen preparedness and response capacity for future outbreaks and pandemics,” he said.

Post-Pandemic Recovery and Initiatives

Regarding post-pandemic recovery, he highlighted the efforts made to improve vaccination rates in the region.

“The Americas have stood out for having achieved the most significant advances in vaccine coverage in 2023 and 2024 compared to other regions, according to WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) data.,” he said.

However, the PAHO director warned that, despite progress, “significant inequalities persist,” stating that, in many countries, overall coverage rates mask local disparities where the most vulnerable groups continue to lack access to vaccines.”

Maternal Mortality and Non-Communicable Diseases

Barbosa also addressed a critical issue that requires “reflection and commitment”: Maternal mortality.

During the pandemic, he said maternal mortality grew by almost 100 percent.

He said this increase reflects limited access to health services and quality of care.

“Fortunately, some countries have already managed to return to pre-pandemic levels, but we cannot settle for this,” said Dr. Barbosa, underscoring the launch of PAHO’s Zero Maternal Deaths initiative.

He alluded to the growth of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are responsible for more than 80 percent of deaths in the region.

Importance of Comprehensive Public Policies

In this regard, Barbosa emphasized the importance of adopting comprehensive public policies that promote healthy habits and work “intersectorally to improve the population’s living conditions.

“The health sector must lead, but with the support of sectors such as education, security, and social development,” he said.

Progress and Future Directions

Despite the region’s challenges, Dr. Barbosa highlighted the progress and the need to incorporate innovative tools, strategies, and technologies to accelerate progress.

“It is crucial to rethink how we organize public health programs,” he said. “Primary care must be more integrated, and we must identify and reach the most vulnerable people to reduce the burden of diseases” such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV.

Among the key initiatives promoted by PAHO, he mentioned Better Care for Non-Communicable Diseases in Primary Health Care, the Disease Elimination Initiative, and the digital transformation of health systems. He also highlighted the need to introduce and expand the use of HPV tests and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to address cervical cancer and HIV.

Conclusion

Dr. Barbosa reaffirmed the importance of the health sector as an essential engine for breaking the vicious circle of poverty and poor health.

“Health has the power to contribute to breaking this cycle,” he said. “Identifying and removing vulnerabilities, we can move towards a more equitable and healthy future in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

In advocating for challenging expectations about the future of health in the region, Dr. Barbosa referred to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

“Some predict that we will not achieve many of these goals, but as health professionals, we must show that these predictions can be challenged,” he said. “Even if we don’t achieve everything, we must get as close as possible. We can move towards a more equitable future through new strategies and technologies.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main public health challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean?

The main public health challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean include demographic transition, persistent inequities, and setbacks resulting from the pandemic.

What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region?

The COVID-19 pandemic deepened pre-existing inequities in the region, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable, who faced limited access to health services and difficulties in following public health recommendations, which increased mortality.

What initiatives is PAHO promoting to address the challenges?

PAHO is promoting initiatives such as Better Care for Non-Communicable Diseases in Primary Health Care, the Disease Elimination Initiative, and the digital transformation of health systems, as well as the introduction and expansion of HPV tests and PrEP to address cervical cancer and HIV.