PAHO: Infectious Diseases & NCDs Link at UNGA 80
- Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Institution (PAHO), underscored the critical need to address the complex relationship between infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (ncds) during an...
- The session was co-organized by the Mérieux Foundation, Weill Cornell Medical College, GHESKIO Centers, and PAHO.
- dr. Barbosa highlighted the significant impact of NCDs, specifically cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, as the foremost public health concern in the Americas.
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PAHO Director Highlights Interplay of Infectious & Non-Communicable Diseases in the Americas
Table of Contents
New York, September 22, 2025 – Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Institution (PAHO), underscored the critical need to address the complex relationship between infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (ncds) during an event held alongside the 80th United Nations General assembly.The event, “Bridging the Divide: Non-Communicable and Infectious Diseases in a Changing Global Health Landscape,” convened experts to explore integrated solutions for improving health outcomes in the Americas.
Event Details & Collaboration
The session was co-organized by the Mérieux Foundation, Weill Cornell Medical College, GHESKIO Centers, and PAHO. global health experts gathered at Weill Cornell Medicine to discuss innovative approaches to tackling these intertwined health challenges.
The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Americas
dr. Barbosa highlighted the significant impact of NCDs, specifically cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, as the foremost public health concern in the Americas. In 2021 alone, these diseases were responsible for 6 million deaths across the region. Alarmingly, 38% of these deaths occured prematurely – in individuals under the age of 70, during their most productive years.
Currently, over 240 million people in the Americas live with NCDs, requiring continuous medical attention and long-term care. This places a substantial strain on healthcare systems and economies throughout the region.
| NCD Type | Estimated Deaths in the Americas (2021) |
|---|---|
| Cardiovascular Diseases | 2.1 million |
| Cancer | 1.4 million |
| Diabetes | 600,000 |
| Chronic Respiratory Diseases | 500,000 |
| Other NCDs | 1.4 million |
| Total | 6 million |
Drivers of the NCD Epidemic
Dr. Barbosa identified several key factors contributing to the rise of NCDs in the Americas. These include unhealthy lifestyle choices such as sedentary behavior, consumption of ultra-processed foods, obesity, tobacco use, and exposure to air pollution. Rapid urbanization is also a significant driver, often leading to changes in diet and physical activity levels.
Moreover, the region’s aging population is exacerbating the problem, as the risk of developing NCDs increases with age.