Accelerating actions in primary health care

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality in the Region of the Americas, leading to 6 million deaths in 2021, 2.3 million (38%) of which occurred prematurely in people younger than 70 years (1). The main NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, caused by the common risk factors of tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Beyond their impact on mortality, NCDs are also a significant burden on health systems and societies, with an estimated 240 million people in the Americas living with at least one NCD (1). Premature morbidity directly affects personal productivity and the realization of human potential, influencing even from a young age, learning, work and development. Many of the premature deaths and disease-related complications could be prevented or delayed through improved access to services, continuity of care and quality of primary health care that ensures more effective prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment coverage and long-term disease management.