Without intervention, the Region could face a deficit of between 600 000 and 2 million health workers by 2030
Washington, D.C., 30 April 2025 (PAHO) – A new report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), The Health Workforce in the Americas: Regional Data and Indicators, reveals that 14 out of 39 countries in the Americas lack sufficient doctors, nurses, and midwives to meet the health needs of their populations. Without immediate interventions, the Americas could face a deficit of between 600 000 and 2 million health workers by 2030, compromising universal health access and coverage.
“The health workforce is the backbone of our health care systems; without health care workers, it is simply not possible to speak of universal access or universal coverage,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director. “This report provides us with concrete data to guide investment in training, retention, and decent working conditions, ensuring that health care reaches everyone,” he added.
With an average of 66.57 health workers per 10 000 population, the Region exceeds the WHO benchmark of 44.5. However, major inequalities persist: while countries such as Haiti (6.38) and Honduras (7.13) face critical shortages, Cuba and the United States have almost four times the target number. Factors such as limited training capacity, an aging workforce, migration (especially in the Caribbean), and unequal distribution widen the gap.
A diagnosis for action
The report examines the situation of the health workforce in the Ame