Trends and changes in mortality rates

Changes in living conditions, medical progress and increasing knowledge of disease causation have resulted in a substantial reduction in mortality, especially in early life, which is reflected in an increase in the average life expectancy of the Latin American and Caribbean population. Since 1950, the average for the population has increased by 20 years, reaching values of over 70 years in the five–year period 2000–2005. Although there are significant differences among countries, this is a widespread process which has been halted in some Caribbean countries only by the appearance of HIV/AIDS, which has reduced their capacity to continue making progress in that direction. The decline in child mortality has to a certain degree occurred independently of changes in the indicators that reflect the socio–economic situation of households. Significant differences also persist in the risk of child mortality among and within countries; less favoured are the groups from rural areas and those in which the mothers have a lower level of education. This means that child mortality continues to be higher in populations with fewer resources, which indicates that the fight against early mortality is not fully over in the region.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Reduced Inequalities

Sustainable Cities and Communities