Source: Loop
Deaths from noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes have increased dramatically across the Americas, rising 43 per cent since 2000 to reach 6 million deaths in 2021, according to a new report from the Pan American Health Organisation.
The NCDs at a Glance 2025 report, released today, reveals that noncommunicable diseases now account for 65 per cent of all deaths in the region, with nearly 40 per cent of those deaths occurring before age 70.
“The surge in NCD deaths is an urgent wake-up call,” stated Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director. “Too many people are dying prematurely from diseases that are largely preventable and treatable. With early detection, timely diagnosis, access to care, and strong policies, we can save lives. This report gives countries the tools they need to act.”
According to the report, cardiovascular diseases led the death toll with 2.16 million fatalities, followed by cancer at 1.37 million deaths, diabetes with over 420,000 deaths, and chronic respiratory conditions claiming more than 416,000 lives. Suicide, identified as the fourth leading cause of death among youth aged 15-29, accounted for 100,760 deaths.
The report highlights alarming trends in risk factors contributing to the disease burden. In 2022, obesity affected 33.8 per cent of adults, representing a 28 per cent increase since 2010. Physical inactivity rose to 35.6 per cent, while diabetes prevalence reached 13.1 per cent. The data shows that 43 million people over 30 are unable to access needed care for these conditions.
Hypertension affects more than a third of adults in the region, yet only 36.4 per cent have their condition under control. The report also notes that air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, while suicide rates have risen by 17.4 per cent since 2000, affecting men three times more than women.
While total deaths have increased, the report shows some encouraging trends in age-standardised mortality rates since 2000. NCD mortality rates declined by 16.2 per cent, with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory disease mortality rates dropping by nearly 30 per cent. Cancer mortality rates fell by 24.6 per cent.
Some modifiable risk factors have also improved since 2000, with tobacco use declining by 22.1 per cent and diabetes treatment coverage rising from 46.6 per cent to 57.7 per cent.
However, the Americas region remains off track to meet the global goal of a 25 per cent reduction in premature NCD mortality by 2025. From 2010 to 2021, premature mortality decreased by just 8 per cent. Only five countries—Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Chile, and Grenada—are currently on track to meet this target, though eleven additional member states could achieve the goal with accelerated efforts.
The report recommends that countries scale up prevention policies, including tobacco and alcohol control, front-of-package nutrition labelling, and physical activity promotion. It also calls for strengthened primary care systems for early detection and management of hypertension, diabetes, and cancers, with mental health and suicide prevention integrated at the first level of care.
PAHO’s HEARTS program, now active in 33 countries and reaching 5.7 million people for hypertension treatment, serves as a model for strengthening primary care systems and implementing national action plans.
The timing of the report’s release is significant, as it can help shape policy discussions ahead of the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs in September 2025, when countries are expected to adopt a new political declaration addressing health inequities and the root causes of noncommunicable diseases.