Introduction:

We present an overview of the epidemiologic profile of Mexico. Throughout this review, we discuss the general mortality and morbidity by specific groups, hospital discharges and the human resources available for health care.

Purpose:

To analyze the transformations of the current epidemiological situation in the country within the framework of certain demographic variations and according to the economic growth and the evolution of the minimum wage.

Methodology:

Official information issued by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía [National Institute of Statistics and Geography] (INEGI), Consejo Nacional de Población [National Population Council] (CONAPO) and the Secretaría de Salud [Ministry of Health] was revised.

Results:

This information shows the structure of the population and life expectancy changes that leads to a better understanding of the changes of the risk profile and the modifications on the general mortality and morbidity, as well as their main causes.

Conclusions:

The data shows that there is a major challenge for the country. On one hand, the infectious or transmittable diseases should continually being addressed in order to bring down the morbidity rate. And on the other hand, it is essential to implement actions focused in reducing the mortality rates of the non-transmittable diseases.