By: Staff Writer
April 14, 2026
The Pan American Health Organisation in their 2025 Annual Reports said that over 160 million people are living with some mental health disorder in the region with 17.7 million people suffering from drug related psychosis.
There was also 78 000 deaths due to drug abuse, which is equivalent to 6.9 deaths per 100 000 population, a rate four times higher than the global average. “Opioid use disorders drove more than 75% of these deaths,” and the health burden has tripled since 2000.
The reports, released by the PAHO, detail how countries and territories across the Americas worked with the agency to strengthen health systems through targeted technical cooperation. In the Caribbean, the findings point to steady progress in building more resilient, modern, and equitable healthcare services despite ongoing challenges such as climate-related disasters, workforce pressures, and rising noncommunicable diseases.
Each report highlights concrete results, impacts, and stories from the field stemming from PAHO’s technical cooperation tailored to each country’s context and health priorities.
“The initiatives presented in these reports not only contribute to protecting the health and well-being of populations, but also support stability, security, and social development in the Americas,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director. “As we present these annual reports, we reflect on a year that tested our resilience, challenged our health systems, and underscored the importance of Pan-Americanism,” he added.
The reports reflect diverse realities across countries, but also a shared effort to strengthen health systems by expanding access to essential technologies and treatments, as well as quality supplies at affordable prices through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds. They also highlight progress in digital health, primary health care, and mental health.
Barbosa slso said the 2025 reports reflect both progress and pressure points for health systems across the region.
“The initiatives presented in these reports not only contribute to protecting the health and well-being of populations, but also support stability, security, and social development in the Americas,” he said, adding that the year underscored both resilience and the importance of regional solidarity in health.
Across the Caribbean, several countries were singled out for notable gains. Belize, Curaçao, and others advanced mental health reform by strengthening national frameworks, expanding community-based services, and training frontline health workers to better respond to psychological and social needs. These efforts reflect a broader shift toward integrating mental health into primary care systems rather than treating it as a standalone service.