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Let’s Talk About Health - Ep. 21: Health landscape in the Americas in 2026

Portada de Hablemos de Salud - Ep. 21: Panorama de la salud en el 2026
Episode 21
In this special episode of Hablemos de Salud, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa offers an in‑depth look at the health landscape in the Americas in 2026. Through a clear and insightful conversation, he discusses recent progress, persistent challenges, and the urgent priorities needed to strengthen the region’s health systems. From preparedness for health emergencies and the resurgence of measles to combating mosquito‑borne diseases and addressing the impact of noncommunicable diseases, Dr. Barbosa emphasizes the importance of resilient systems, strengthened primary health care, and equitable access to medical technologies. He also explores the future of health through digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence. An essential episode for understanding what is being done today to protect everyone’s health tomorrow.
 

Key Achievements and Progress

During his three‑year tenure, Dr. Barbosa highlights several major accomplishments:Strengthened regional capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies, drawing from COVID‑19 lessons.

  • Expansion of genomic surveillance networks to 30 countries.
  • Implementation of One Health strategies and access to the Pandemic Fund.
  • Significant advances in primary health care, supported through partnerships with the World Bank and IDB.
  • Progress in disease elimination, including reductions in HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, and malaria, with certifications achieved in Suriname and Brazil.

Current Health Situation in the Americas

Despite improvements in health financing and access, the region still faces key challenges:

  • Uneven progress across countries and populations.
  • A complex epidemiological profile, including resurging vaccine‑preventable diseases like measles and a persistent burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
  • Increasing concerns around mental health, maternal mortality, and adolescent pregnancies.

Living Longer, but Not Healthier

Life expectancy has grown, but healthy life expectancy has not kept pace. Many people live more years with chronic conditions. Strengthened primary care is crucial for improving prevention, detection, and management of hypertension, diabetes, and other NCDs.

Urgent Priorities for 2026

Dr. Barbosa identifies three urgent areas of action:

  1. Strong preparedness for health emergencies such as dengue, measles, and chikungunya.
  2. Resilient health systems with proper financing and well‑trained human resources.
  3. Stronger public health governance within Ministries of Health.

Measles Resurgence

Measles has returned because:

  • It is one of the most contagious viruses.
  • Vaccination coverage has dropped below the 95% threshold, often unevenly across communities.
  • Effective surveillance is essential to detect cases quickly. PAHO urges countries to identify and address local vaccination barriers.

Mosquito‑Borne Diseases

The region remains highly vulnerable to dengue, Zika, and chikungunya due to climate and urbanization. Emerging tools include:

  • Wolbachia‑infected mosquitoes to reduce dengue transmission.
  • New regionally produced dengue vaccines.

Major Causes of Death

Around 80% of deaths in the Americas are due to NCDs—especially cardiovascular disease and cancer. PAHO promotes the HEARTS strategy, which has significantly improved hypertension control where implemented.