Welcome to the gateway to publications related to the Americas’ most pressing public health issues. We strive to continually improve our ability to fulfill your information needs.
Featured Publications
Challenges in access to health for migrants transiting the Darien region
The Darien region, a vast jungle territory between Colombia and Panama, has seen a continued increase in migration. During 2023, each country recorded more than 500,000 people passing through the Darien region. In the first months of 2024, records indicated an increase in migratory flows. This surge is putting pressure on health services on both sides of the border, creating new challenges for local and national authorities.
The urgency of investing in health systems in Latin America and the Caribbean to reduce inequality and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Published by ECLAC and PAHO, this publication highlights the critical need to strengthen health systems in Latin America and the Caribbean to address inequality and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused setbacks in 32% of regional SDG targets, affecting essential health indicators such as maternal mortality, immunization, malnutrition, and mental health.
Leading causes of death and disease burden in the Americas: Noncommunicable diseases and external causes
This report presents an in-depth analysis on life expectancy and mortality in the Americas, exploring the burden of disease throughout the life course. It focuses on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), encompassing mental and substance use disorders, neurological conditions, and external causes during the period 2000–2019.
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Recent Publications
Initiative for the elimination of trachoma in the Americas: First year of implementation. Annual report 2023-2024
This publication presents the key advances made by countries participating in the Initiative for the Elimination of Trachoma in the Americas. In the Region, trachoma remains endemic in Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru, affecting abut 5.6 million people, especially in rural and remote areas, with a disproportionate impact on women and children.
Technical note on good practices to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HTLV-1 in the context of the EMTCT Plus initiative
This publication provides Member States with a comprehensive framework to address HTLV-1 MTCT as a public health problem. It outlines evidence-based interventions, such as awareness campaigns, testing strategies, education, and interventions designed to reduce transmission risks.
Replication guide. Applying the human security approach to advance an integrated response to health and migration in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico
This guide is intended to act as a tool to foster the replication of the activities included in the joint PAHO/WHO–IOM Program on Applying the Human Security Approach to Advance an Integrated Response to Health and Migration in the Northern Triangle and Mexico, funded through UNTFHS.
Expanding access to malaria diagnosis and treatment
PAHO proposes a framework for action to improve access to malaria diagnosis and treatment based on expanded access to diagnosis, including expanded use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and immediate comprehensive treatment.
Strategy for accelerating maternal mortality reduction in the Region of the Americas based on Primary Health Care
This publication outlines PAHO's comprehensive approach to addressing the critical rise in maternal mortality rates across Latin America and the Caribbean. By fortifying primary health care systems and targeting interventions for the most vulnerable women, PAHO aims to enhance health outcomes and promote equity in maternal health.
Developing respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness plans
PAHO's guide, in alignment with the PRET initiative, provides a detailed framework for utilizing previous emergency responses to enhance pandemic preparedness. This resource is designed to ensure that the Region of the Americas is equipped and ready to address future respiratory pathogen outbreaks effectively.
Health financing and access to medicines in the Caribbean
This report offers an initial and concise evaluation of certain health financing aspects that are crucial for accessing medicines in the Caribbean. It also provides a preliminary set of recommendations to guide national and regional efforts to improve the Region’s current organization, financing, and provision of medicines.
Operational guidelines for the elimination of human fascioliasis as a public health problem in the Americas
Fascioliasis, caused by Fasciola hepatica, affects both humans and animals. These guidelines focus on small-scale farmers and rural communities, using a "One Health" approach for effective interventions.
Health – a driver for development, security, and prosperity
For over 120 years, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been at the forefront of public health in the Americas. As health challenges continue to evolve, PAHO remains committed to addressing key priorities that impact the well-being of populations across the Region.
The Organization’s priority areas of work reflect its ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes, build resilient health systems, and achieve health equity and universal health coverage throughout the Americas.