The tuberculosis problem in the Americas

Abstract

There has been a considerable improvement in the epidemiological situation in the Americas in regard to tuberculosis. Mortality rates during the period 1951-1960 fell in North America by almost 70 per cent, in Middle America by 45 per cent, and in South America by 54 per cent. The decrease over the succeeding years from 1960 to 1966 was slower, but there was nevertheless some progress, the three regions recording reductions of 35.4, 26.5, and 19.6 per cent, respectively. Furthermore, it is estimated that during the same period the known rates of new cases fell by 22.7 per cent in North America, 21.0 per cent in Middle America, and 16 per cent in South America. In spite of these impressive figures, tuberculosis continues to be a significant public health problem, and this will be true for many years to come if the factors impeding the forces that cause the decline of epidemiological rates prevail.