Chronic Diseases and Puerto Rico's Economy
The U.N.’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) held a virtual meeting to discuss the economic consequences of chronic diseases in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico was one of the locations covered.
“The high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean – such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer – is exacerbating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and hindering the subregion’s progress towards achieving sustainable development due to their multiple health, economic and social consequences,” said Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC.
In Puerto Rico, more than half of all deaths are caused by chronic diseases of this kind. In 2010, deaths from heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke accounted for more than 57% of all deaths.
Chronic diseases also contribute to disability. Fully one third of Puerto Rican adults have diabetes, and more than 18% have arthritis. 17% report having asthma at some point in their adult lives.
Read more: https://www.puertoricoreport.com/chronic-diseases-and-puerto-ricos-economy/