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PAHO Highlights Interplay of Infectious and Non-Communicable Diseases in the Americas

New York, 22 September 2025 – The urgent need to address the complex relationship between infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which collectively represent the moast notable public health challenges in the Americas, was emphasized by Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), during an event held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly.PAHO is calling for integrated strategies to combat these dual health threats.

The Growing Burden of Combined Threats

Traditionally, public health efforts have often focused on infectious diseases or NCDs in isolation. However, Dr. Barbosa stressed that these diseases are increasingly interconnected. Infectious diseases can exacerbate NCD risk factors, and individuals with pre-existing NCDs are frequently enough more vulnerable to severe outcomes from infections. This interplay demands a more holistic approach to healthcare.

NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death and disability in the Americas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), they account for over 70% of all deaths in the region. Meanwhile, infectious diseases like COVID-19, dengue fever, and HIV continue to pose significant challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations.

How Infectious Diseases Impact NCDs

Infections can worsen NCDs in several ways:

• Inflammation: Infections trigger inflammation, which can accelerate the progression of cardiovascular disease and other NCDs.
• Immune Dysfunction: Chronic infections can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other illnesses.
• Disrupted Care: Outbreaks of infectious diseases can overwhelm healthcare systems, disrupting access to essential NCD care.

How NCDs Impact Infectious Diseases

Conversely, NCDs can increase the risk and severity of infectious diseases:

• Weakened Immunity: Conditions like diabetes and obesity can impair immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Increased Hospitalization: Individuals with ncds are more likely to require hospitalization and experience severe complications from infections.
• Delayed Diagnosis: Focus on managing ncds may delay the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

PAHO’s Call for Integrated Strategies

Dr. Barbosa outlined several key strategies for addressing the interplay between infectious and NCDs:

• Strengthening Primary Healthcare: Investing in robust primary healthcare systems that can provide integrated care for both infectious diseases and NCDs.
• Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: addressing risk factors for both types of diseases through public health campaigns promoting healthy diets, physical activity, and tobacco control.
• Improving Surveillance: Enhancing surveillance systems to track the incidence and prevalence of both infectious diseases and NCDs, and to identify emerging threats.
• addressing Social Determinants of Health: Tackling the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to health inequities and increase vulnerability to both types of diseases.

Key Takeaways

• The Americas face a dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases.
• These diseases are increasingly interconnected, requiring integrated strategies.
• Strengthening primary healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving surveillance are crucial steps.
• Addressing social determinants of health is essential for reducing health inequities.

PAHO’s call to action underscores the need for a paradigm shift in public health, moving beyond siloed approaches to embrace a more integrated and holistic vision. By addressing the complex interplay between infectious diseases and NCDs, the Americas can