The United Mexican States is a democratic republic comprised of 31 states and the Federal District. Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the Americas, and the International Organization for Standardization ranks Mexico as the 11th-most populous country in the world. The national health system in Mexico is administered by national, federal, public, and private entities. The system is currently undergoing substantial changes as it contends with shifting health issues, including a decrease in overall general mortality, an increase in noncommunicable diseases, and an increase in the mortality rate related to chronic diseases. Because a focus on global health is resulting in increased health communication scholarship and inquiry, the status of public health in Mexico is of relevance to health communication scholars around the globe.

Among Mexico's ...