Health · Public Health & Disease · 17 hrs ago
Ageing and chronic diseases will strain Latin American health systems, PAHO warns
PAHO warns that ageing populations and chronic diseases will strain health systems across Latin America and the wider Americas.
The concern involves older people as well as younger people, because illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease also affect younger age groups.
Non-communicable diseases caused about 6.2 million deaths in the Americas in 2023, accounting for 81% of deaths in the region.
Deaths from these diseases were 46% higher than in 2000, and risks include obesity, tobacco and alcohol use.
PAHO says governments should prepare health services for rising needs, especially by strengthening first-level care and detecting conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure earlier.
Earlier care could improve people's health and use limited public funds more efficiently.
PAHO is promoting early-detection efforts, while its deputy director says governments and donors need to give greater attention to the demands of ageing populations.
Ageing populations and rising chronic diseases are expected to put pressure on Latin American health systems, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned.
PAHO Deputy Director Mary Lou Valdez said governments should prepare for the needs of ageing populations and strengthen health care, especially at the primary-care level.
PAHO is promoting earlier detection of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes to help people receive care before their illnesses advance.
Noncommunicable diseases accounted for 81% of deaths in the Americas and caused about 6.2 million deaths in the region in 2023.
Deaths from these diseases rose 46% from 2000 to 2023, according to estimates presented by PAHO.
- Who
- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), including Deputy Director Mary Lou Valdez, issued the warning.
- What
- Ageing populations and rising chronic diseases are expected to strain health systems. PAHO urged governments to prepare and improve early detection and care.
- When
- The article was published on November 9, 2026. The date of Valdez’s visit was not stated.
- Where
- Latin America and the wider Americas. Valdez spoke at PAHO’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
- Why
- Ageing and chronic diseases will increase demand for care and put pressure on health services and limited public resources.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The article’s cited estimates use this year as the baseline for the increase in deaths from noncommunicable diseases.
Noncommunicable diseases caused approximately 6.2 million deaths in the region, with deaths from these causes up 46% since 2000.
El Economista MX published the warning about the pressure ageing and chronic diseases will place on health systems.
- Regional deaths
- About 6.2 million from noncommunicable diseases in 2023
- Share of deaths
- Noncommunicable diseases accounted for 81% of deaths in the Americas
- Increase since 2000
- Deaths from noncommunicable diseases rose 46% by 2023
- PAHO deputy director
- Mary Lou Valdez
- PAHO headquarters
- Washington, D.C.
What people are saying
I think the threats we do not think about enough are ageing populations. This will impact all our societies. Are we prepared for it?
One of our challenges will be how to engage the donor community so it understands the real challenges that ageing populations will bring to our health systems and our workforce, as well as to the quality of life our governments and systems want to help provide.
By working early with people who may be at risk, they will not only receive better care and have a better quality of life, but we will also make our health systems much more efficient with the resources they have, which are always scarce.
The population of the region is not only ageing, but also growing and exposed to various risk factors that cause diseases and are responsible for many of the challenges we face with noncommunicable diseases.