Mexico reports high rates of preventable and treatable deaths

Mexico reports some of the highest rates of preventable and treatable deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the OECD Health Outlook report. The country recorded 135 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants due to treatable causes, exceeding the regional average of 130 and significantly higher than the OECD average of 57. For preventable deaths, Mexico reached 176 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the regional average of 167.

Data from INEGI indicates that heart disease and diabetes mellitus are the leading causes of mortality in the country, accounting for more than one-third of annual deaths. Specifically, heart diseases caused 192,518 deaths, followed by diabetes with 112,577. The prevalence of diabetes in Mexico is over 16%, which is higher than the regional average of 11%. Additionally, tobacco consumption among adolescents aged 13 to 15 remains high at over 15%.

The reports highlight significant challenges regarding cardiometabolic risk, where high cholesterol, uncontrolled glucose, and hypertension often coexist. Experts emphasize that prevention, timely detection, and treatment adherence are critical to addressing these health trends.