The Pan American Health Organization was founded in 1902 to help the countries of the Americas combat disease, lengthen life, and raise the living standards of their peoples. We have also served as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization since WHO was founded 50 years ago. Nearly 50,000 children and adults die every day from infectious diseases.
Infectious diseases are the world's leading cause of premature death.
Of about 52 million deaths from all causes in 1995, more than 17 million were due to infectious diseases, including about 9 million deaths in young children. Up to half the world's population of 5.8 billion are at risk of many endemic diseases. In addition, millions of people are developing cancers as a direct result of preventable infections by bacteria and viruses. One of the most promising fields of international cooperation is in the fight against communicable disease and the daily struggle to save childrens lives. We are making progress in child survival strategies.