Washington, D.C., 20 December 2017 (PAHO/WHO) - During 2017, the countries of the Americas experienced natural disasters that damaged health services and caused suffering and death but also marked some historic milestones in health progress and quality of life for their populations.
Key public health challenges included the devastating impacts of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria; yellow fever outbreaks; the growing threat of noncommunicable diseases; and an increase in hunger. But the region also saw the elimination of neonatal tetanus and a gain in life expectancy during 2017.
Below is a summary of 10 of the most noteworthy public health events in 2017 for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
