South America

South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela, among others, are grouped by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Americas region, including North and Central America. However, healthcare spending in South America differs greatly from that of its northern neighbors. Average and per capita healthcare expenditures in South American countries are all well below the average for the Americas region. Poorer countries, such as Bolivia, spend 5.8% of the national GDP, totalling $305 USD per person per annum on healthcare. Wealthier countries, such as Chile, spend 7.2% of the national GDP, totalling $1,606 USD per person per annum. Unfortunately, this is not usually enough to cover healthcare needs in the country.

Many South American countries also lack healthcare professionals. In Chile, for instance, there are only 0.14 nurses and midwives for every one thousand people. In Brazil, however, the number of nurses and midwives is well above the regional average, with 7.6 per every one thousand people. Most South American countries have recognized a need for universal healthcare that would enable equal access to all citizens. Countries, including Chile, are currently undergoing radical healthcare reforms. Government corruption in countries such as Venezuela and Brazil have played a large role in impeding healthcare policy improvements.