Diseases Elimination Initiative

At HRRN, we aim to end more than 30 diseases and related conditions by 2030. The Elimination Initiative is an innovative policy that promotes an integrated, sustainable approach to accelerate progress towards elimination in the Region of the Americas.

Our commitment to the Elimination Initiative is to improve the quality of life for people and communities. This requires us to think and act differently, creating synergies and transformative strategies. Take action to end the suffering and harm caused by communicable diseases, ensuring health thrives and communities flourish.

Why Now?

The timing is critical. Over the past decades, the Americas have achieved remarkable milestones in disease elimination. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, followed by the elimination of polio. Rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and neonatal tetanus were also wiped out. By 2024, several countries had become malaria-free, and mother-to-child transmission of HIV had been halted. However, challenges persist. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health interventions and set back progress. Now, we must seize this moment to accelerate disease elimination and build on our successes.

What diseases and conditions can be eradicated?

The Elimination Initiative involves a wide range of communicable diseases, including:

a. Diseases preventable by vaccination. It is necessary to protect the achievement of elimination of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, poliomyelitis and neonatal tetanus, and accelerate the elimination of bacterial meningitis.

b. Neglected infectious diseases and zoonoses: Chagas disease, leprosy, trachoma, schistosomiasis, intestinal parasites, lymphatic filariasis, human rabies transmitted by dogs and hydatidosis affect marginalized populations that do not have sufficient access to integrated health services . There are effective tools to eliminate them.

c. Vector-borne diseases: Malaria affects thousands of people and can be eliminated with proven effective interventions. Yellow fever epidemics can also be eliminated.

d. Sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitis: HIV, syphilis and other STIs as well as viral hepatitis can move towards elimination if actions to achieve this are accelerated.

e. Diseases transmitted from mother to child: HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, hepatitis B and Chagas disease can be eliminated and no longer affect pregnant women and newborns.

f. Other priority diseases and conditions: cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus, cholera, tuberculosis and environmental factors such as open defecation and the use of polluting fuels in homes can be eliminated.

Why Invest? Because It Pays Off!

According to global estimates, investing in disease elimination boosts well-being and the economy:

1. Neglected Infectious Diseases:

For every dollar invested in eliminating these diseases, there is a net benefit of around US$25. That’s a 30% annualized rate of return—a financial win for global health.

2. Socioeconomic Impact:

Eliminating leprosy, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease isn’t just about health; it’s about economics. We’re talking $16.6 billion in benefits for 2021-2030, plus $10.4 billion less in out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Tuberculosis:

Invest in diagnosis and treatment, and the returns range from US$30 to as high as US$115 per dollar. It’s a smart move.

4. Ending HIV:

Meeting HIV targets saves US$24 billion in treatment costs . That’s a 15-fold return on investment. Lives transformed; economies boosted.

5. Vaccination Magic:

Every dollar invested in vaccination delivers a return of US$26.35. Protecting lives, enhancing productivity—it’s a no-brainer.

6. Environmental determinants of health:

In the Americas, investing in clean cooking energy can save ~94,000 lives each year.

Highlights

Our steadfast commitment has a profound impact across the entire Region

New tool will help countries in Latin America and the Caribbean prevent rabies and other zoonotic diseases through better data on dog and cat populations

Honduras Joins the Alliance for Primary Health Care in the Americas

AIDS 2026: The Americas have the tools to eliminate HIV, but gaps in access and coverage remain, says PAHO

Disease elimination initiative toolkit

Best Buys to Accelerate Disease Elimination in the Americas

Recent certifications and validations

The results of this initiative are milestones that have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals and communities. The commitment of countries, communities, partners, donors, allies, and PAHO is reflected in these achievements.