Overview and Key Figures
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), deaths from non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, have increased by 43% in the Americas since the year 2000. In 2021, these diseases accounted for 6 million deaths, as reported in the “ENT a simple vista 2025” report.
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa’s Warning
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, emphasized the urgency of this situation in a press release. “Too many people are dying prematurely from diseases that are largely preventable and treatable,” he stated.
Impact on the American Region
Non-communicable diseases represent 65% of all deaths in the region, with nearly 40% occurring before the age of 70. The leading causes of death in this category are cardiovascular diseases (2.16 million), cancer (1.37 million), diabetes (over 420,000), and chronic respiratory diseases (over 416,000).
Suicide as a Major Concern
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29, claiming 100,760 lives.
Contributing Factors
The aging population and increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases are contributing factors. However, PAHO insists that these conditions are preventable. The rise in deaths is largely attributed to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol use.
Recent Trends in the Americas
In 2022, obesity affected 33.8% of adults, a 28% increase since 2010, and physical inactivity affected 35.6% of the American population. The report also addresses environmental challenges and mental health issues.
Environmental and Mental Health Challenges
Air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions. Suicide rates have risen by 17.4% since 2000, particularly among men.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are non-communicable diseases? Non-communicable diseases include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions.
- Why are non-communicable disease deaths increasing in the Americas? The rise is primarily due to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol consumption.
- What role does the aging population play? The aging population contributes to the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
- How do environmental factors impact health? Air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and respiratory conditions.
- What is the significance of rising suicide rates? Suicide rates have increased by 17.4% since 2000, particularly among men.
