Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: health and care

How common are diabetes and high blood pressure in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

11.3% of people in St Vincent and the Grenadines reported hypertension and 6.5% diabetes at the 2023 census, up from 7.1% and 3.4% in 2001, according to the Statistical Office's 2023 Population and Housing Census report. Women reported higher rates: 12.9% for hypertension and 7.8% for diabetes, against 9.6% and 5.1% for men.

These are self-reported conditions from the census, not clinical measurements, so they may miss people who have not been diagnosed. Nearly half of hypertension and diabetes cases were among people aged 65 and over. The report also records that use of medical facilities fell from 24,443 people in 2012 to 13,607 in 2023.

Official sources: Statistical Office: 2023 Population and Housing Census report (PDF)

What is the life expectancy in St Vincent and the Grenadines?

Life expectancy at birth in St Vincent and the Grenadines was 71.4 years in 2024, one year higher than in 2000, according to the Pan American Health Organization's Health in the Americas country profile for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. PAHO says this is below the average for the Americas.

The profile puts infant mortality at 12.36 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, down from 15.7 in 2000, and says the share of babies born weighing less than 2,500 g rose from 4.8% to 8.0% between 2005 and 2015. PAHO builds its profiles from interagency estimates, which can differ from the most recent national data.

Official sources: PAHO: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines country profile

How much does St Vincent and the Grenadines spend on health?

Public spending on health in St Vincent and the Grenadines was 3.63% of GDP in 2021 and 9.6% of total public spending, according to the Pan American Health Organization's Health in the Americas country profile for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Out-of-pocket payments made up 26.19% of total health spending that year.

Out-of-pocket spending is what patients pay directly for care, such as fees and medicines, without insurance or government cover. The figures come from international health accounts, so they may differ from the amounts in the national budget estimates.

Official sources: PAHO: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines country profile

How long do people live in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

According to the UN Population Division, life expectancy at birth in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 71.4 years in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 29th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 74.0 years. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 121st highest.

What is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' infant mortality rate?

According to the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, the infant mortality rate in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 10.2 per 1,000 in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 12.1 per 1,000, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines placed 24th highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 112th of 192.

How many women die in childbirth in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

According to the WHO, the maternal mortality ratio in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 56.0 per 100,000 in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 105 per 100,000; its low point was 2016, at 52.0 per 100,000. It is 16th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 55.0 per 100,000. Worldwide: 91st of 192.

What share of GDP does Saint Vincent and the Grenadines spend on health care?

According to the WHO, current health spending in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 4.4% of GDP in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 5.3% of GDP; its low point was 2006, at 3.7% of GDP. Latin America & Caribbean median: 6.8% of GDP; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 28th highest of 33. Of 191 countries with 2023 data, 140th highest.

How much do people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines pay for health care themselves?

According to the WHO, out-of-pocket health spending in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was 26.6% in 2023. Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 35.8%; its low point was 2021, at 26.2%. Latin America & Caribbean median: 29.3%; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 22nd highest of 33. Of 191 countries with 2023 data, 104th highest.

How many hospital beds does Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have?

The latest figure from the WHO, for 2022, is 3.2 per 1,000. Since 2011 it has ranged from 2.4 per 1,000 (2012) to 4.5 per 1,000 (2016). It is 8th highest of 30 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 2.0 per 1,000. Worldwide: 49th of 110.

What is measles vaccine coverage in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

99.0%: that is measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for 2024, according to WHO and UNICEF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 89.5%, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines placed 1st highest of 32. Of 191 countries with 2024 data, 1st highest.