Injury in the Americas: The relative burden and challenge

Objectives. To present evidence to support a higher priority for injury prevention in initiatives, research, and budget allocations. Methods. Recent data (2000) for deaths from injury, infectious disease, heart disease, and cancer from 11 countries in the Region of the Americas were analyzed. Analyses focused on: first, Potentially Productive Years of Life Lost (PPYLL, discounted) from deaths occurring from 0-64 years of age; second, Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) from 1-64 years; and third, Years Lived with Disability (YLD). The burdens of injury and infectious disease were compared to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) budget allocations for these areas. Results. There is a clear-cut disparity between funds allocated and the magnitude of injury burden as compared to the burden of infectious disease. Conclusions. In making decisions on budgetary allocations, the Member States of PAHO must consider the potential impact of injury research and control on the health of their populations.