Guidance for Developing Status Profiles on Communicable Diseases to Further Progress toward Their Elimination in the Region of the Americas

Abstract

PAHO Disease Elimination Initiative: A Policy for an Integrated Sustainable Approach to Communicable Diseases in the Americas aims to end the burden of communicable diseases for future generations. This initiative includes more than 30 communicable diseases and other related conditions that are candidates for elimination and promotes a common approach that incorporates new tools and technology. Addressing these diseases supports action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages". Ending neglected and communicable tropical diseases epidemics falls within the scope of this goal. This publication is intended to provide guidance to countries to develop useful and uniform national status profiles to advance the national disease elimination agenda. Presenting information in this simple format is a strategic tool to raise awareness, documenting the status of communicable diseases and related conditions, as well as changes in the activities of health systems. In addition to concisely describing the progress made to date, this publication also reflects challenges and pending actions in each program that must be addressed to achieve elimination. Monitoring outcomes is critical for assessing the health of populations and measuring the impact of interventions. Accordingly, creating progress profiles on communicable disease targets will help countries design specific policies, formulate plans, and collect national and subnational health information to sustain gains and expand efforts on unmet targets, enhancing political commitment and well targeted, evidence-based investments. A current map of communicable diseases and related conditions adapted to the national context is also provided, allowing decision makers and other partners to strategize and implement a public health agenda for their elimination.