Programa Regional de
Enfermedades No-Transmisibles

Misión

For member countries to adopt feasible cost-effective policies and strategies for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases of major importance to public health.

Description

This regional technical-cooperation program was established in 1995 in recognition of the predominance of non-communicable diseases among causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the Americas. Emphasis on technical capacity-building, including support for demonstration projects within countries. Aimed at integrating non-communicable disease prevention and control within the context of primary and secondary health care.

Program Focus

• Strengthen national capacities to develop efficient policies, strategies, and models for interventions and working partnerships for controlling non-communicable diseases with special emphasis on cardiovascular disease, cervical cancer, and diabetes.
• Promote partnerships and develop tools for preventing and controlling intentional and unintentional injuries, as well as for preventing violence.
• Promote the establishment of a regional network of countries using an integrated approach for non-communicable diseases control.
• Support the development and improvement of national and regional surveillance of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors.

The following chart displays the need for action in the area of non-communicable diseases (NCDs):

	Communicable Diseases, Malnutrition & Reproductive Health
	Non-Communicable Diseases
	Injuries

Priority Areas

The above changes in the regional epidemiological profile, experienced by the majority of countries in the Americas, requires an adaptation to new priorities. Such changes need to be reflected in both the organization of health services and the allocation of resources. In order to assist member countries in this transition, the Program on Non-Communicable Diseases has selected key priority areas likely to provide an opportunity to further incorporate effective strategies that will reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. The program strategy was approved by the 120th Meeting of the Executive Committee of the PAHO Directing Council.