Measles is making an alarming comeback across Latin America. Numbers have risen so much in recent months that the Pan American Health Organization has issued an epidemiological alert. Here’s a quick look at the numbers across the region:

2025 Measles Outbreak in the Americas

• 14,891 confirmed cases
• 29 deaths
• 13 countries affected
• 6,428 cases in Mexico
• 24 deaths in Mexico
• 5,436 cases in Canada
• 2,242 cases in the U.S. [1]

As you can see from the numbers above, the outbreak has primarily affected Mexico in Latin America, with smaller numbers across the region’s other countries. In fact, most of the other countries impacted in Latin America have just double- or single-digit numbers of cases as of February 2026. After Mexico, Bolivia has the most in the region at 597, followed by Paraguay (49), Belize (44), Brazil (38), Argentina (36), Uruguay (13), Peru (5) and Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala at just one case. [1]

In particular, the Mexican state of Jalisco, which includes the city of Guadalajara, is perceived as the epicenter of the outbreak. This has led the state of Jalisco to issue a health alert. It’s a major concern to local officials and before the city serves as a host for the 2026 World Cup in a few months. [2]

Reasons for the Outbreak

When you look at the numbers related to vaccination rates across Latin America, it paints a picture of how an outbreak like this could occur. According to UNICEF, Latin America has gone from having one of the highest childhood vaccination rates in the world to one of the lowest from 2013 to 2023. The result is that one in four children in the region are not protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, and the majority of those children have had zero vaccines. [3]

The numbers on the latest measles outbreak seem to reflect this trend. PAHO estimates that about 89% of the recent measles cases are in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. [4] Currently, the PAHO estimates that around 89% of people in the region have received their first MMR vaccine, while 76-79% of people have received a second dose. This is below the 95% vaccination rate recommended to prevent an outbreak. [5]

How the Medical Community Is Responding

As the number of measles cases continues to rise, the region is reacting accordingly. Public health officials are doing their best to raise awareness around the importance of vaccines. Meanwhile, hospital administrators are quietly scrambling to prepare for a surge in highly contagious pediatric and adult patients. [1]

Impact on MedTech & Other Suppliers

In the face of a potential outbreak of a highly infectious disease, hospitals and medical centers must shift their procurement priorities. This is already occurring in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, but these shifts may increase elsewhere in the region if measles continues to spread. Hospital budgets may begin to pivot from elective care to infection control and critical respiratory support.

This is already occurring in the hardest hit areas of Mexico, where mass vaccination and vaccine awareness campaigns sponsored by public health officials are underway. Currently, the PAHO is recommending the following strategies:

• Elevate measles vaccination rates to above 95%
• Implement mass vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas
• Contain outbreaks quickly with rapid response systems
• Detect and confirm measles cases quickly
• Educate at-risk communities on the importance of vaccines and directly address vaccine hesitancy [5]

Other Needs Beyond Vaccines

Of course, hospital and medical center needs in the face of a measles outbreak extend beyond vaccine doses. They may also require specialized syringes or cold-chain transport to obtain and administer these vaccines. [6]

Regions hardest hit by a measles outbreak will require airborne PPE supplies to keep themselves safe when treating a highly infectious disease. This includes N95 respirators, face shields and isolation gowns, among other supplies and equipment. Hospitals and medical centers in the hardest-hit areas may even consider upgrades such as airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs), portable HEPA filtration systems and UV decontamination units to prevent cross-contamination in waiting rooms. [6]

Severe measles can sometimes lead to complications in patients. This can include pneumonia, which is the most common cause of measles-related death in young children. [7] As measles spreads and complications arise, this could also put a strain on pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), driving demand for pediatric ventilators, oxygen therapy devices, and continuous patient monitors. [8]

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

If there’s any good news about the current measles outbreak in Latin America, it’s that it seems to be primarily affecting only one country in large numbers (Mexico) and one country in moderate numbers (Bolivia), with cases limited to single or double digits in nine other Latin American nations. Still, medical suppliers can be prepared by having vaccine doses, syringes and PPE supplies at the ready for Mexico and other countries that might need them in the weeks and months ahead. [1]

Infectious disease outbreaks create highly localized, rapid purchasing cycles. Those who can identify which regions are expanding their isolation and respiratory capacities can position themselves well to meet this sudden demand. [1]

Having your company ready to meet the moment with agility not only is productive for your company’s bottom line, but it also creates a positive culture and good will knowing that you were there to help the region combat and endure a deadly disease outbreak. Put simply, lives can potentially be saved based on your company’s ability to provide supplies in a timely fashion. [1]

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about the current state of health care and diseases across Latin America, and how you can adjust your company’s strategy to help prevent and control these concerns. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

************

Sources:

1. https://www.paho.org/en/news/4-2-2026-paho-issues-epidemiological-alert-amid-continued-measles-transmission-americas-and
2. https://fox8.com/news/health/ap-health/ap-measles-outbreak-in-mexico-prompts-health-alert-in-world-cup-host-jalisco/
3. https://www.unicef.org/lac/en/press-releases/latin-america-and-caribbean-records-worlds-biggest-drop-childhood-vaccination-over-past-decade
4. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/measles-surge-continues-americas-outbreaks-10-nations
5. https://www.paho.org/en/news/15-8-2025-ten-countries-americas-report-measles-outbreaks-2025#:~:text=PAHO%20response%20and%20recommendations,literacy%20and%20address%20vaccine%20hesitancy.
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4400300/#:~:text=Such%20arrangement%20requires%20ancillary%20laboratory,and%20clinicians%20entering%20the%20ward.
7. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html
8. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/media/pdfs/2025/05/hcp-caring-for-patients-measles-fact-sheet.pdf

For medical equipment and supply companies operating in Mexico, the goalposts have moved. The Mexican federal government recently unveiled the framework for a 2027–2028 consolidated health sector tender, and the message to suppliers is clear: efficiency and local investment will give you a major advantage in the tender procurement process. [1]

The shift to a biennial (two-year) tender cycle by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and her administration is a calculated move to end the era of fragmented, last-minute purchasing. By awarding contracts for a 24-month period, the government aims to stabilize supply chains that have been historically volatile. For the private sector, this offers a rare window of predictability — but only for those who adapt to the new requirements. [2]

The Birmex Centralization

The most significant operational shift is the total consolidation of purchasing power under Birmex (Laboratorios de Biológicos y Reactivos de México). By 2027, Birmex will not just be a buyer but the master orchestrator of logistics for the big three players in Mexican healthcare: IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Bienestar. [2]

Suppliers must prepare for more rigorous digital oversight. The government is implementing an integrated health supply chain monitoring system, designed to track deliveries in real time. [3] To win in this environment, companies must audit their own capabilities. Companies participating in the 2027-2028 tender must be able to track weekly inventory, monthly production capacity, and other key stats to meet the needs of the country’s health system. [2]

The Local Tiebreaker

Perhaps the most notable change is the official push for more local investment and involvement by the healthcare companies participating in the Mexican market. The upcoming tender will utilize a points-based evaluation system that rewards companies with a greater physical footprint in Mexico.

Points will be awarded for:

• Manufacturing infrastructure: Companies with local production facilities or R&D labs will be awarded more points under the new system.
• Strategic partnerships: Companies who collaborate with Birmex or Mexican universities for technology transfer are also eligible for points.
• Job creation: Potential suppliers who show a demonstrable investment in the Mexican workforce will have an advantage. [1]

While a local factory is not a strict prerequisite for participation, it may serve as a tiebreaker among companies who offer similar products at a similar price. In a market where 65% of supplies are currently imported, the administration is using its purchasing power to encourage a nearshoring of the medical industry. [4]

Timelines for Success

For companies who are interested in bidding in the upcoming Mexican tender, it’s best to start your preparations now. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming timeline:

• March 2026. Birmex will complete its market investigation to identify pricing trends, supply capacity, and possible suppliers.
• June 2026. The Mexican government will conclude procurement planning, including evaluation criteria for suppliers.
• Mid-2026. Public calls for tenders will be published and advertised.
• Late 2026. Potential suppliers can submit their bids and enter the evaluation process.
• Late 2026 – early 2027. Contracts for the 2027-2028 Mexican tender will be awarded. [5]

Focus Areas for Suppliers

Suppliers who are interested in submitting bids would be wise to begin gathering market intelligence. There are a few key areas that suppliers can focus on to give themselves an advantage in the upcoming tender procurement process:

• Generics. The government has identified almost 400 products with expiring patents in 2026. This will open the door for new generic or bio-comparable entrants to enter the market. Tenders can be awarded to several suppliers, if prices are within 10% of the lowest bid. [6]
• Local production and investment. With the increased emphasis on local infrastructure, companies who already have this presence will have an advantage in the tender process. Companies interested in procuring tenders in Mexico may want to consider increasing their presence in the market. [1]
• Shoring up internal process and documentation. In several categories, including oncology, diagnostic reagents and medical consumables, potential suppliers must be able to provide weekly inventory updates, monthly production capacity, as well as details on packaging, handling and cold chain management in some cases. This is a great time for suppliers to shore up their processes to ensure they are following new Mexican standards. [2]
• Pricing. Though Mexico is placing an increased emphasis on local involvement for their suppliers, the reality is that lower price is still critical for securing bids. Companies who focus on competitive pricing will hold a key advantage in the upcoming procurement process. [1]

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

For companies interested in continuing their involvement or gaining greater access to the Mexican healthcare marketplace, the 2027-2028 tender provides a unique opportunity. The good news for medical suppliers is that it provides more organized and cohesive requirements, with longer timelines, compared to prior tenders. This means that interested companies can transition their approach to winning tenders from crisis management to strategic forecasting. In addition, the winners in the tender process will secure coveted two-year contracts, a rare reward in the often-volatile healthcare marketplace. [2]

However, the Mexican tender will also pose new challenges for interested companies. Interested suppliers must be aware that it’s not just a sales opportunity; it’s an industrial policy. Suppliers who treat this as a traditional bid based solely on price will likely find themselves at a disadvantage. The winners will be those who align their corporate strategy with Mexico’s vision of self-sufficiency, leveraging local partnerships and robust digital logistics to secure their place in the next two-year cycle. [1]

Of course, suppliers who have participated in Mexico’s tender procurement model in the past know that challenges can exist with the system. This new model will be a test of Mexico’s health system. While the new system appears to offer many improvements over previous models, time will tell if it becomes a successful, enduring system for Mexico. Companies will need to remain agile and adaptable as they begin their strategic planning to secure bids. [2]

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about the upcoming 2027-2028 Mexican tender, and how you can optimize your company’s strategy for success. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

************

Sources:

1. https://beyondbordersnews.com/mexico-aims-to-become-global-leader-in-pharmaceutical-industry-under-new-presidential-decree/
2. https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/mexico-advances-drug-procurement-avoid-supply-gaps
3. https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/mexico-launches-transparency-platform-medicine-purchases
4. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA846864038&sid=sitemap&v=2.1&it=r&p=IFME&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E14d562bf&aty=open-web-entry
5. https://asmedis.org.mx/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lineamientos-Generales-para-la-Planeacion-del-Procedimiento-de-Contratacion-Consolidada-de-Medicamen.pdf
6. https://mexicobusiness.news/health/news/mexico-releases-385-drug-patents-boost-local-production
7. https://compraconsolidada.salud.gob.mx/

For medical device manufacturers and suppliers who are interested in reinvesting in Venezuela, the opportunities in the coming months will be substantial. However, companies entering the market during this transition phase will face a perfect storm of regulatory, financial, and legal obstacles. While the potential for growth is immense, manufacturers must consider the following hurdles:

1. Financial Sanctions and SWIFT Integration

The most immediate barrier is the disconnect between international banking and local operations.

• Verification of banking channels. While four private banks (BNC, BBVA Provincial, Banesco, and Mercantil) are authorized to handle oil-derived currency through US channels, the actual normalization of the SWIFT system is still in progress and remains uncertain.
• Compliance sensitivity. US companies remain extremely cautious about financial sanctions. As a result, they often require specialized legal audits before resuming direct transfers.

2. Regulatory and Legal Instability

The legal framework for importing and certifying medical devices is currently in a state of flux.

• Haphazard regulations. The legal environment is described as “haphazard” and is characterized by rapidly shifting regulations as the new administration attempts to overhaul the system.
• Traceability challenges. The public sector supply chain is concentrated within 12 economic groups operating through hundreds of sub-companies. As a result, ensuring “Know Your Customer” (KYC) compliance and verifying end users is technically difficult.
• Political volatility. While acting President Delcy Rodriguez has made initial concessions, the USA-Venezuela relationship remains fickle.

3. Logistical and Infrastructure Barriers

Moving goods into the country safely and legally involves complex intermediary networks.

• Intermediary risk. Many products are currently forced through sub-distributors to bypass banking blocks, which increases the risk of “grey market” activity and reduces the manufacturer’s control over quality and pricing.
• Logistics reconstruction. Previous logistics chains have largely evaporated, so manufacturers must vet new distributors and restock warehouses from scratch.

4. Market Fragmentation

Manufacturers must tailor their compliance and sales strategies to two very different sectors:

• Public sector concentration. High levels of cronyism in public hospital purchases require rigorous anti-corruption vetting of local partners.
• Private sector fragility. The private sector is highly fragmented, with fewer than 100 large clinics and a proliferation of small primary care centers remaining. These facilities may lack the financial infrastructure to handle direct international contracts.

Strategic Recommendations

Executives are advised to maintain a stance of watchful waiting for the next 6 to 12 months. The turning point will be the official confirmation of lifted sanctions and the stabilized return of international financial channels. However, once these parameters are met, the opportunities in the Venezuelan market should be significant for those companies that can remain patient in the meantime.

Next Steps

Is your company ready for the 2026 Venezuela rebound? While the risks are real, the rewards for early movers in the medical device sector are unprecedented. Move beyond the headlines and access the granular hospital data and procurement trends that reveal where the real demand lies. Contact GHI to identify your next high-growth opportunity in Latin America—before the competition does.

Latin America is currently undergoing a seismic geopolitical realignment. A region long known for foreign intervention, first by Europe and then the US via the Monroe Doctrine,  is once again becoming a primary theater for great power competition. This shift is not merely rhetorical; it is characterized by a significant, assertive re-engagement by the United States that is aimed at rolling back external influences and cementing hemispheric dominance.

This aggressive geopolitical pivot has profound implications for commercial sectors across the board. However, few industries are as sensitive to these shifts — or as critical to national stability — as the medical equipment and device market. As Washington exerts newfound economic and military pressure on the region, the market for medical equipment and devices will face its most significant disruption since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hard Power Pivot: Washington Reasserts Control

For years, US influence in Latin America was viewed as waning and characterized by neglect that allowed other global actors to step into the void. That era now appears to be over. Washington has initiated a strategy defined by hard power and coercive diplomacy aimed at ensuring regional alignment with US interests.

The most startling manifestation of this new reality is the recent operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This action sent a shockwave through every capital in the Western Hemisphere and showed that the US is willing to utilize direct intervention to achieve its strategic goals.

On a smaller scale, the US is still trying to impose its will on the region in other ways. Thinly veiled warnings directed at key regional players like Mexico and Colombia regarding trade compliance, migration enforcement, and drug policy have reinforced the message: Alignment with Washington is no longer optional.

These actions inevitably create severe tensions in commercial relations among nations. When diplomacy is conducted through the lens of national security and military capability, standard trade relationships become volatile. Sovereignty concerns are heightened, and nations become wary of economic leverage being used as a political weapon. The immediate outcome of this posture is a climate of uncertainty that forces Latin American governments to recalculate their foreign policy risks, their economic priorities, and their alliances.

The Context: The Dragon in the Operating Room

To understand the impact of this US resurgence on the medical market, one must first understand the status quo. Over the past decade, and accelerating dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, China has become the undisputed primary supplier of medical devices and equipment to Latin America. 

When the pandemic struck and Western nations hoarded ventilators, PPE, and diagnostic tools, Beijing stepped in with “mask diplomacy.” Even amidst manufacturing limitations, trade restrictions, and logistical barriers, Chinese manufacturers provided rapid, affordable access to medical equipment when few others could or would.

Consequently, Chinese products — from high-end imaging scanners in Brazilian hospitals to basic consumables in Peruvian clinics — became ubiquitous throughout Latin America. This dominance was built not just on price, but on availability and a lack of viable alternatives during a global emergency. In recent years, this trend solidified, with Chinese medical imports frequently outpacing American products across the region.

Chinese medical products went from representing 25% of imports into Latin America in 2018 to 34% in 2024. Meanwhile, the share of US imports into the region fell from 38% to 28% over the same period. This trend was seen most notably in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, where Chinese products represent over 50% of all medical devices imported.

The Short-Term Shock: A Forced Realignment

The newfound US assertiveness is poised to disrupt this Chinese-dominated landscape almost immediately. In the short term, we can expect the US to leverage its political wins (like the neutralization of the Maduro regime) and its pressure campaigns on Mexico and Colombia to force a commercial pivot.

Over the next 24 months, we are likely to see the opening of a long-forgotten healthcare market in Venezuela. Interestingly, the seizing of Venezuelan oil and the fall of the Maduro regime has also placed immediate pressure on Cuba’s already fragile system, so Cuba may well be the subsequent market to open to investment. 

Healthcare systems in both Venezuela and Cuba will need to be redesigned. The initial focus will be placed on increasing access to primary care, with investments in specialized hospitals occurring in a secondary phase. Immediate opportunities will arise in almost every area of the healthcare system, from the rebuilding of hospital infrastructure to technology, equipment, devices, consumables, and pharmaceuticals. Infrastructure, distribution, servicing, and financial models will need to be reassessed and, in many cases, rebuilt from the ground up. 

In established and existing markets, we can expect explicit demands or strongly worded “guidance” for Latin American health ministries to favor US partnerships over alternatives such as the current Chinese trade agreements. This could be facilitated via free trade agreements, tariffs, and financing mechanisms or tied to broader trade concessions. Nations eager to avoid being the next target of US ire, or those seeking to capitalize on a closer relationship with a resurgent Washington, will likely comply.

For all the euphoria associated with the opening of potential markets or commercial opportunities, it is prudent to recognize the uncertainty that surrounds the current context.  While the market may reward quick actions, the volatility of these situations may result in costly undertakings. Caution may be in order.

Long-Term Implications: Fragmentation and Resentment

While the US may achieve short-term market gains through these new interventions into the Latin American markets, the long-term implications are far more nuanced and complex.In a region where 70% of care is delivered by the public sector and where budgets are tight, market drivers (such as pricing) will be difficult to displace. It is unlikely that Latin American nations will completely abandon their commercial ties with China, even under US pressure.

While American products may regain some lost ground, Chinese manufacturers are unlikely to be completely dislodged. Instead of favoring American products for their technological or commercial benefits, we may see countries hedging their bets by buying American high-tech equipment to appease Washington while quietly continuing to source consumables and mid-tier technology from China to keep their budgets manageable.

Furthermore, heavy-handed tactics breed resentment. While Latin American nations may bend to US pressure temporarily, they will likely seek to regain strategic autonomy over the long term.

China, too, will adapt. Rather than just selling exports, Beijing may deepen its strategy by localizing production within Latin America, bypassing trade barriers and embedding itself deeper into the regional economy through technology transfers that the US has historically been reluctant to offer.

Navigating a New World Order

The capture of Nicolás Maduro and pressure on key allies mark a definitive turning point in US-Latin American relations. The era of passive competition is over. Ultimately, the power shifts in Latin America are not merely political maneuvers; they are economic earthquakes with profound implications for everyday commerce.

The medical equipment market serves as a vivid microcosm of this larger struggle, where geopolitical aspirations directly intersect with public health needs and commercial interests. The coming years will undoubtedly witness a delicate dance of diplomacy, economic incentives, and strategic partnerships as Latin American nations navigate a world increasingly shaped by the competing ambitions of global superpowers.

Next Steps

Position your brand for the LatAm pivot. As Washington reasserts dominance in the region, the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors face their most significant disruption in years. Gain clarity on emerging trends and market access risks with GHI’s expert research. Contact us today to see how our data can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Various countries in the region have begun to adopt more advanced surgical tools and equipment. In particular, minimally invasive equipment used for endoscopy, laparoscopy or robotic-assisted procedures has shown substantial growth. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.

Endoscopy

One medical technology that has seen significant growth and is expected to grow even more in the coming years is endoscopy. An endoscope is a long, flexible tube that can be inserted inside the body to examine internal organs with a light and a camera. In many cases, surgical instruments can be inserted through a channel in the endoscope to remove tissue or perform other surgical procedures.

Endoscopes are often thought of as tools for digestive procedures and are inserted through the mouth or anus, but there are other forms of endoscopy, as well. These include arthroscopy, cystoscopy, hysteroscopy and many more.

In recent years, endoscopy has shown consistent growth in Latin America that has outpaced the growth of other surgical equipment. For example, the “installed base” of equipment in 2023 overall grew by just 4.7%, but endoscopes grew by 10.2% that year, and endoscopy towers grew by 13.7%.

Endoscopy in Latin America by the Numbers

• Revenue of the Latin American endoscopic device market in 2025: $2.2b
• Projected revenue of the market by 2030: $3.1b
• Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 7.14%

Growth in the endoscopy market is consistent all over the region, but major markets like Argentina, Mexico and Brazil are major drivers, with projected CAGRs of 13.6%, 10.1%, and 9.7% respectively.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a form of endoscopy, but it’s specifically used to examine and treat the organs of the abdomen and reproductive system via an incision in the abdomen. Like other endoscopic equipment, however, laparoscopy has seen major growth in Latin America in recent years, continued growth in the market is anticipated.

Laparoscopy in Latin America by the Numbers

• Revenue of the Latin American laparoscopic device market in 2023: $2.35b
• Projected revenue of the market by 2033: $4.61b
• Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 7.79%

Like endoscopic equipment in general, laparoscopic equipment has shown growth throughout the region but particularly in countries like Brazil and Mexico, at 12.9% and 9.2% growth in 2023, respectively. Chile also showed significant growth in the laparoscopic equipment market with 12% growth in 2023, while Argentina and Colombia lagged behind at 5% and 4.9% growth that year.

Robotics

Robotic-assisted surgery is a growing market worldwide, and while the reach in Latin America is still fairly small, it’s also showing significant growth, as well as a projected forecast for growth in the years ahead.

Surgical Robotics in Latin America by the Numbers

• Revenue of the Latin American surgical robotics market in 2024: $246.6m
• Projected revenue of the market by 2033: $573.2m
• Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR): 9.8%

Here again, the demand for surgical robots in Brazil and Mexico is ahead of the rest of the region, but all of Latin America is seeing a rising demand and a forecast for increasing revenues over the next decade.

Why the Rise in Demand?

As these numbers indicate, Latin America is ready and willing to spend the money to update its medical technology and bring its facilities up to date with the latest equipment and devices. What prompted this pivot in the region? The answer is multi-faceted, but one theory is that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the shortcomings of the Latin American healthcare system. Since then, administrators and patients have demanded better treatments, which requires better technology.

Of course, other factors are at play here, as well. Patients are learning more about the less invasive medical procedures that are now available from equipment such as endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic devices, and they are demanding that their treatments be performed this way. Chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes are also becoming more prevalent, which requires more diagnoses and procedures be performed with these tools.

Upgrading to the latest equipment has benefits for the healthcare facilities as well as the patients. Less invasive procedures from endoscopy, laparoscopy and robotics have improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays. This creates greater satisfaction rates among patients and allows the hospitals to see more patients in a shorter amount of time.

Barriers to Adoption

As with all changes in technology, there are challenges along the way as hospitals begin to upgrade. New equipment is costly, and many public facilities lack the budgets to upgrade as much as they’d desire. This is why some of these devices and equipment, particularly robotics, are growing at a faster rate in private hospitals than in public ones. Even so, tools like endoscopes and laparoscopes are increasingly being seen as the standard of care for many procedures, which puts pressure on public health systems to upgrade, regardless of the associated costs.

Other barriers include the challenges of training or hiring healthcare professionals to run these new devices and equipment. This can make the costs and challenges much greater than simply acquiring the equipment. However, most facilities report long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, outcomes and patient satisfaction when they make these initial investments.

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

If your company is in the surgical device and equipment market, these numbers clearly indicate that the entire Latin American region is ripe for growth in the years ahead, particularly in the endoscope, laparoscope and robotics markets. Now is the time to finetune your strategy, not only for private hospitals, but also for the public healthcare systems that are trying to keep up with patient demands.

You can rely on GHI and its suite of data solutions like HospiScope and SurgiScope to check hospital inventory and tailor your strategy where the greatest needs exist. There’s no question that this market will only continue to grow, so it’s time to finalize and implement your sales strategy for 2026 and beyond.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about surgical trends and their potential impact on the medical device and equipment markets in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

************

Sources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/25126-endoscopy
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/4819-laparoscopy
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/latin-america
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/argentina
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/mexico
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/endoscopes-market/brazil
• https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/medical-technology/medical-devices/endoscopic-devices/latam?srsltid=AfmBOoqlTFhssZ09QS62ZAn9yXFNMPQYkI44NhKsNsZQSRODDFzODjZz
• https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-endoscope-reprocessing-market
• https://www.businessmarketinsights.com/reports/latin-america-laparoscopic-devices-market
• https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/latin-america-laparoscopy-device-market
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/surgical-robots-market/latin-america
• https://www.tritonmarketresearch.com/reports/latin-america-surgical-robotics-market
• https://globalhealthintelligence.com/ghi-analysis/parsing-the-robotic-surgery-market-in-latin-america/

Although the Latin American region has made significant progress in recent decades in terms of healthcare quality and disease prevention, it remains at a greater risk for certain communicable diseases than more northern regions. These include mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika, chikungunya and more. At the same time, emerging disease trends that affect all regions of the globe, such as antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, are also a growing problem in the Latin American region.

Exploring Causes & Solutions

Some of the factors that lead to the prevalence of these diseases in Latin America, such as the climate and associated organisms that persist as a result, are challenging to control. Despite these obstacles, local healthcare agencies and authorities are still taking steps to mitigate the spread of these diseases.

Let’s take a closer look at how the spread of these diseases and the effort to stop them is impacting the overall healthcare strategy across Latin America, and how your company’s goods and services can be a part of these healthcare initiatives.

A Closer Look at the Disease Data

In 2023, researchers for the Pan American Journal of Public Health conducted a systematic review of 95 studies of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean. While dengue has been common in tropical and subtropical regions for decades, researchers found that its prevalence spiked over the last 10 years.

Zika and chikungunya are newer diseases to Latin America and have followed similar patterns to one another. The first reports of infections for each disease in the region date back to 2013. Similarly, both diseases spiked in prevalence around 2015 and have been decreasing in recent years.

Overall, Brazil and the southern cone region of South America, which includes Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, were historically associated with the highest number of infections. In recent years, however, dengue has been surging most rapidly in Central America and Mexico. Researchers suspect that heatwaves, tropical storms and other severe climate events may be fueling this surge. In fact, these factors have health experts concerned that dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus all may increase in the years ahead.

Factors at Play

As expected, both environmental and socioeconomic factors appear to play a role in the prevalence and spread of these diseases in Latin America. For example, tropical and subtropical climates were strongly linked to the spread of both Zika and chikungunya, while a semi-arid climate is where the spread of dengue was more likely to occur. Interestingly, high temperature, dry weather and increased rainfall were all associated with the spread of the three diseases.

Economic factors also played a role. For example, people with a lower socioeconomic status who lived in densely populated regions were most likely to get and spread the diseases.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Another emerging disease trend in Latin America that’s worth keeping an eye on is the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. This trend, of course, is not unique to Latin America, but its prevalence is growing here just as in other regions of the globe. According to a June 2025 article in The American Journal of Medicine, approximately 5 million deaths in 2019 were associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and 11.5% of those deaths occurred in the Americas.

Latin America in particular might be vulnerable to a spike in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the coming years. Research indicates that the region uses excessive amounts of antibiotics for medical, veterinary and increased production purposes, which could result in a perfect storm of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Research in the Lancet shows that 322,000 people died due to antibiotic resistance in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2021, and that number is expected to reach 650,000 by 2050, which would give it one of the highest regional rates in the world.

Regional Efforts to Stop the Spread

Despite the challenges, global and local health organizations are working together to try to stop the spread of dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus, as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in Latin America. The World Health Organization, for example, launcher a global strategic plan to fight dengue and other diseases like chikungunya and Zika virus in October 2024. The plan outlines strategies for monitoring, managing, controlling and reducing the transmission of the diseases.

Another interesting initiative from the World Mosquito Program is the breeding and strategic release of Wolbachia mosquitoes. Wolbachia is a safe and natural bacteria that prevents mosquitoes from spreading diseases like dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus. Once these mosquitoes are introduced to an area, they begin breeding with other mosquitoes and pass along the Wolbachia, preventing mosquitoes from spreading the diseases. Initiatives are already underway in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and El Salvador, as well as other countries around the world.

In regard to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) are focused on improving access to innovative antibiotics and other medications in the region to stem the tide of projected deaths in 2050. By improving regional access to cutting-edge medications, Latin America can gain the resources it needs to fight the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their deadly impact.

Key Takeaways for Health Care Companies

As global, regional and local healthcare organizations take on the growing threats of these emerging diseases, medical supplies, drugs and equipment needed to accurately and successfully diagnose, treat and cure people with these diseases are a critical part of the equation to reduce mortality and improve the overall outlook for the region.

The stark reality is that the need for medical supplies related to the treatment of dengue, chikungunya, Zika and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is likely to grow throughout the region in the coming years. Companies that are well-positioned to provide these medications and devices can be a key part of the solution when it comes to reducing the overall impact of the deadly diseases on the region.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about emerging disease trends and their potential impact on the pharmaceutical or medical device and equipment markets in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights to support strategic decision-making in your industry.

************

Sources:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9910557/
• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44799-x
• https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/1/57
• https://www.paho.org/en/news/8-8-2024-paho-intensifies-support-central-america-control-dengue
• https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/areas-with-risk/index.html
• https://www.climatecentre.org/14980/in-the-americas-surging-dengue-fever-linked-to-climate-change/
• https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(25)00058-0/fulltext
• https://www.paho.org/en/news/26-9-2024-paho-and-gardp-will-collaborate-tackle-antibiotic-resistance-latin-america-and
• https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01867-1/fulltext
• https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanam/article/PIIS2667193X23001357/fulltext
• https://www.who.int/news/item/03-10-2024-who-launches-global-strategic-plan-to-fight-rising-dengue-and-other-aedes-borne-arboviral-diseases
• https://www.paho.org/en/news/10-5-2024-caribbean-mosquito-awareness-week-2024-paho-calls-unite-against-dengue
• https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/learn/faqs
• https://www.worldmosquitoprogram.org/en/news-stories/media-releases/brazil-fiocruz-and-world-mosquito-program-launch-new-partnership
• https://www.publichealth.med.miami.edu/news/news-releases/2024/experts-address-the-dengue-crisis-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/index.html

Many global markets are embracing the idea of sustainability, and the healthcare market is not immune to this trend. This is the idea of adopting environmentally friendly practices and technologies to make your operations more sustainable over time. In some cases, sustainability can also be cost-effective, which makes it even more appealing to industry leaders.

How Sustainability Impacts Healthcare

For healthcare, the impact of adopting sustainable practices can be broad and far-reaching. It refers not only to efficiencies in delivering care but also to a hospital’s entire operation, including LED lighting, alternative energy sources, and more fuel-efficient vehicles. It’s a broad topic, but one that has been gaining steam globally in recent years. In fact, the American Hospital Association has a Sustainability Roadmap for Health Care that outlines best practices for facilities that want to create and implement sustainability goals.

Sustainability in Latin American Healthcare

Though Latin America often has the perception of lagging behind the practices of the United States and Europe, the reality is that many countries in the region have become centers for innovation in areas like biopharmaceuticals and telemedicine, among others. Sustainability is another area where Latin American hospitals and medical centers are already making great strides, with new medications and technologies promoting sustainability in the region.

When it comes to “green” initiatives, some ways hospitals can become more sustainable are fairly obvious—for example, using LED lighting instead of incandescent lights, or seeking out alternative energy sources like solar power.

However, other healthcare practices are also considered sustainable because they can reduce inefficiencies and improve patients’ lives. For example, the widespread adoption of telemedicine can be viewed as a sustainable practice. It brings quality healthcare to more people in a more accessible manner and reduces or eliminates travel time to and from hospitals. Even prevention initiatives can be considered sustainable. When they are effective, they reduce the number of people who need to be diagnosed and treated.

Other ways that Latin Americans have embraced sustainability in recent years is by focusing on innovation and production at a local level. This is particularly true when you examine the growing biopharmaceuticals market in the region. By easing regulations and promoting local production of vaccines and other medications, Latin America is reducing imports. This is not only more cost-effective, but also more environmentally friendly.

Sustainability Success Stories

One only has to take a look at some of the sustainability stories around the region to see how Latin American healthcare is being impacted by these new developments. For example, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), an offshoot of the World Health Organization, has a Smart Hospitals Toolkit that helps regional hospitals be environmentally sustainable and resilient in the face of natural disasters and other events. In addition, the World Health Organization recently published guidelines for climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities.

Another organization pushing for sustainability in healthcare is Global Green and Healthy Hospitals, which for several years hosted a Latin American Conference in the region to celebrate the contributions of regional hospitals. One member of this organization is the Hospital San Rafael de Pasto in Colombia, which has committed to reducing its environmental impact through programs targeting waste, water, and procurement.

Since 2015, the hospital has made great strides in this area, replacing 90% of their lighting with LEDs and switching electrical equipment to items with a certified level A energy efficiency rating. Solar power is also now used throughout the operation. In addition, the hospital also contributed to the local government’s “one million trees for Pasto” initiative by purchasing one hectare of land and planting over 6,000 native species of trees.

Another success story from the region is the Hospital Clínica Bíblica in Costa Rica. Since beginning its sustainability efforts in 2016, the hospital has implemented a wide range of strategies, including the installation of solar panels, composting kitchen waste, reusing rainwater, promoting the rational use of potable water, and reducing the use of anesthetic gases. For its efforts, the hospital has earned 15 awards, including a Gold GHG Reduction in Energy award, a Silver Renewable Energy award, and a Gold Climate Leadership award, among others.

Balancing Sustainability with Affordability

For regions and facilities that are considering sustainability initiatives, one potential roadblock is perceived costs. The perception still exists that being environmentally friendly is an expensive proposition. However, Siemens Healthineers says that the notion that “sustainability costs too much money” is one of the great myths related to sustainability. In fact, facilities that implement sustainable and environmentally friendly practices end up saving money in the long run.

Research conducted by McKinsey on this topic found that companies investing in sustainable energy sources can reduce their energy consumption by up to 30%. This means that the higher initial investment is often offset fairly quickly with savings on utility bills.

When it comes specifically to medical equipment, many manufacturers offer sustainable programs that lead immediately to cost savings for the facility. For example, system upgrades or refurbishment programs have lower capital costs and are more environmentally friendly than investing in all new equipment.

Key Takeaways for Medical Companies

Sustainability and environmental initiatives are a growing trend not only globally, but specifically in Latin America. As more regions and facilities realize that the initial investments in these products and technologies can lead to long-term cost savings, the trend is likely to grow.

If you’re a medical equipment or device supplier serving the region, you’d be well-suited to assess your own company’s sustainability efforts and how they support the region. Some technological trends, such as telemedicine and digital health records, naturally lend themselves to sustainability efforts by improving the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare, so products that support these efforts in hospitals tend to go hand in hand with sustainability.

For larger medical devices and equipment, consider programs like system upgrades to existing equipment or refurbishment initiatives if your company isn’t already exploring those avenues. These programs are already appealing to hospitals and health systems looking to save costs, and they have the added benefit of being sustainable and environmentally friendly. Now that medical facilities are increasingly embracing sustainability efforts, these programs will likely become even more appealing.

Next Steps

Contact GHI to learn more about sustainability trends and their potential impact on the healthcare industry in Latin America. Our team of researchers can provide the analysis you need to gain valuable insights and support strategic decision-making in your industry.

Sources:

• https://www.aha.org/sustainability
• https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-us/insights/news/debunking-healthcare-sustainability-myths?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLj8qg_vUEhBBaaKsB96TJTVUMO-sn1jNR7FXq-889oa8crzzar-6PgaAvXtEALw_wcB&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw6bfHBhDNARIsAIGsqLj8qg_vUEhBBaaKsB96TJTVUMO-sn1jNR7FXq-889oa8crzzar-6PgaAvXtEALw_wcB%3AG%3As&s_kwcid=AL%2191%213%21775294404909%21p%21%21g%21%21sustainability+in+healthcare&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23050592071&gbraid=0AAAAAD_HlguPbZ8ZyGzvgR1z4VXhpm1QS
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6502558/
• https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/latam/en/insights/markets-and-investing/ideas-and-insights/healthy-growth-for-latin-america-tapping-the-regions-healthcare-sector-for-economic-gains
• https://llyc.global/en/healthcare/tendencias/el-reto-de-la-sostenibilidad-en-los-sistemas-de-salud-en-america-latina/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40374575/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8442713/
• https://www.paho.org/en/health-emergencies/smart-hospitals/smart-hospitals-toolkit
• https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/climate-resilient-and-environmentally-sustainable-health-care-facilities
• https://greenhospitals.org/goals
• https://greenhospitals.org/news/v-conference-lat
• https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/decarbonizing-health-care-facilities-colombia
• https://greenhospitals.org/news/HCCC-10-years-clinica-biblica