漏 潘金莲传媒
The Americas have a diverse epidemiological and disease profile and are increasingly confronted with infectious disease outbreaks and highly infectious emerging pathogens. This situation is amplified by changing weather patterns and environmental drivers as well as reduced vaccination coverage.
Of a unique set of challenges in 2024, the most serious ones were due to infectious diseases, with significant outbreaks of avian influenza, dengue, and to a lesser degree, Oropouche virus disease. Throughout the year, the Region continued its recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淲hen countries share information, coordinate, and support responses to diseases, lives are saved.鈥�
鈥� Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr., 潘金莲传媒 Director
Avian influenza (H5N1), or bird flu, was one of the leading health concerns in the Americas in 2024. Since the first case was detected in February, 潘金莲传媒 recorded 66 confirmed human cases in the United States of America and 1 in Canada, as well as over 1300 animal outbreaks in other countries across the Region.
To date, all the cases have been animal-to-human. In 2024 there were no reported cases of human-to-human transmission, which would have been much more dangerous for the Region’s public health.
潘金莲传媒’s surveillance system has played a critical role in monitoring the situation. This system gathers information from all kinds of sources 鈥� social media, legacy media, public health authorities, etc. 鈥� in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all the countries of the Americas.
Although avian influenza principally affects animals, there is a clear risk of transmission from animals to humans 鈥� and potentially among humans 鈥� that merits continuous monitoring to avoid a serious public health problem.
When surveillance the system receives relevant information in one country, 潘金莲传媒 immediately engages with that country to gather more data and then shares these on a transparent and equal basis with all its Member States. This is critical because it allows all the countries to constantly receive and exchange up-to-date information and, consequently, be better prepared.
As concerns grow over the spread of avian influenza, the availability of accurate, real-time information provided by 潘金莲传媒 is crucial for authorities to prevent new outbreaks and protect human and animal health in the Region.
Established regional surveillance networks linking 35 Member States for early detection and response
Establishment of the Commission for the Prevention and Control of Zoonotic Influenza in the Americas and the creation of ad hoc intersectoral working groups on surveillance, risk assessment, and laboratory.
Provided technical guidance and support for genomic characterization and risk assessment of virus variants
Trained healthcare workers and veterinary personnel in biosafety and outbreak response procedures
Promptly issued and disseminated epidemiological alerts, updates and risk assessments, alongside a dedicated monitoring dashboard, all publicly available
In 2024 the Americas experienced an unprecedented dengue outbreak. The reported cases reached 13 million, an increase of almost 200% compared to the previous year and the highest since records began in 1980. The number of deaths exceeded 7700, many of them children.
Brazil was the most affected country, reporting over 10 million cases and accounting for nearly 80% of the deaths. Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico also faced significant outbreaks.
The geographical area susceptible to dengue transmission expanded to countries not typically impacted by this disease, including the United States of America, where there was limited local transmission in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. The causes of the outbreak seem diverse and linked to weather patterns, El Ni帽o, and urbanization.
Argentina, Brazil, and Peru introduced dengue vaccines in 2024. The current vaccine may improve community protection and individual outcomes, but it will not stop the spread of the virus in the short or medium term, it does not provide immediate relief during an outbreak, and, additionally, its supplies remain limited.
潘金莲传媒 also observed an increase in cases of Oropouche virus disease throughout 2024, with more than 11 600 cases reported in 12 countries and territories, mostly in Brazil, and 2 deaths. Although relatively small, the Oropouche virus disease outbreak warrants attention as the geographical area of the disease is expanding. 潘金莲传媒 monitored the situation, followed the occurrence of new cases, and supported the health systems’ responses.
To combat the dengue outbreak, 潘金莲传媒 implemented with its Member States, the Integrated Management Strategy for Arboviral Disease Prevention and Control in the Americas. This strategy includes improved case management combined with vector surveillance, training of health providers, and community engagement.
潘金莲传媒 also issued epidemiological alerts urging intensified efforts to control the spread of the disease, including one in May 2024 that focused on dengue.
潘金莲传媒 has shared lessons among the Member States, especially in the context of the discussions of the new Pandemic Accord.
The strategy was crucial in containing the number of severe and fatal cases. In fact, the proportion of severe cases in the 2024 dengue outbreak was low.
Nearly three times more cases than in 2023, demonstrating the unprecedented scale of the outbreak
More than 21 000 of the cases were severe, and more than 7700 deaths were reported
Argentina, Brazil, and Peru introduced dengue vaccines, with Honduras planning implementation in 2025
Four countries accounted for 90% of dengue cases and 88% of dengue-related deaths in the Region
Six epidemiological alerts and updates issued and disseminated to enable early warning and publicly available
In 2024 the Americas were still reeling from the devastating consequences of COVID-19. The fact that Latin America and the Caribbean is the world region with the highest number of reported deaths caused by the pandemic means that its consequences will be long-term and two-pronged.
From a healthcare perspective, COVID-19 still represents a threat, even though it is now an established and ongoing health issue that no longer constitutes a public health emergency.
In terms of public policy, COVID-19 put massive stress on healthcare systems, exposing the dramatic need to increase health security, including having domestic 鈥� or, at least, close to the Region 鈥� facilities able to manufacture not only vaccines but also medical equipment in general.
The COVID-19 also made it imperative to have a fluid relationship between governments and the private sector and to increase the healthcare systems’ capacity to distribute vaccines, medicines, equipment, and health technologies among the population in a rapid, efficient, and equitable manner.
潘金莲传媒 issued two epidemiological alerts on COVID-19 in 2024, in January and August, with information about the situation of the disease in the Region.
The Organization also developed and disseminated critical online technical resources in French, Portuguese, and Spanish to enhance pandemic readiness. These tools are designed to help countries align their national preparedness strategies with global standards, ensuring readiness across diverse settings.
潘金莲传媒 also played a key role in global preparedness efforts, collaborating with the WHO鈥檚 Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats initiative to update and strengthen pandemic preparedness plans.
潘金莲传媒 believes that countries should not let their guard down, which means continuing to vaccinate vulnerable groups and strengthen surveillance, while at the same time preparing for future emergencies and building back better for a healthier and more secure future.
