Peru

In 2007 the government announced a major re-structuring of the healthcare system so that all citizens would have equal access to state health insurance. Nevertheless, very few Peruvians have access to quality care, particularly in rural areas. Out of pocket payments constitute the bulk of health spending.

Communicable diseases appear to be the leading cause of death amongst Peruvians, although compiling reliable data is hampered by the massive under-reporting of deaths to the authorities. The US free trade agreement with Peru, signed in 2006, attracted controversy because of its inclusion of intellectual property provisions. This notwithstanding, the Peruvian government still levies an average tariff of 9% on imported pharmaceuticals, including vaccines.