In recent years, there has been a decline in the rate of premature deaths in the Region of the Americas. This improvement is due to advancements in health technology such as antibiotics, vaccines, and other treatments, as well as improvements in living conditions like better access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare services. However, progress has slowed down in some countries and territories.
To measure the performance of health systems and their impact on population health, this edition of Health in the Americas analyzes the standardized rate of potentially avoidable premature mortality. This analysis takes into account both the preventable component through public and intersectoral health interventions and the treatable component related to the effectiveness of healthcare services – quality of care.
The analysis of potentially avoidable premature mortality provides a metric for comparing and tracking performance over time, holding health systems accountable for their role in improving population health outcomes. Furthermore, this analysis highlights that addressing broader social and environmental determinants of health is crucial for ensuring equity in health outcomes across countries. By recognizing these factors’ importance, countries can develop comprehensive strategies that include not only healthcare but also social policies aimed at reducing disparities and improving overall population well-being.
