[OPEN] Call for Good Practices in the Prevention, Control and Surveillance of Noncommunicable Diseases

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through the Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Department, invites national government authorities and intergovernmental organizations to participate in the Call for Good Practices in the Prevention, Control, and Surveillance of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

The objective is to recognize, document, and disseminate good practices in the prevention, control, and surveillance of NCDs in the Americas. It aims to foster cooperation among countries, promote the replication of successful experiences, and contribute to progress toward more equitable and sustainable health systems, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background

Las ENT son la principal causa de muerte y discapacidad en las Américas, representando aproximadamente el 80% de las muertes totales en la región. Estas enfermedades incluyen patologías como la hipertensión arterial, diabetes, enfermedades cardiovasculares, cáncer y enfermedades respiratorias crónicas. La mayoría son prevenibles, ya que están asociadas a factores de riesgo modificables como el tabaquismo, las dietas poco saludables, la inactividad física y el consumo nocivo de alcohol.

The impact of NCDs is not limited to health; they also represent a significant economic and social burden, particularly affecting vulnerable populations who face barriers to accessing adequate health services. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the importance of strengthening health systems for comprehensive and resilient primary care.

General Information about the Call

PAHO seeks to highlight and disseminate replicable experiences that contribute to reducing the burden of NCDs in the Region, promoting the health and well-being of populations.

This call is highly relevant in addressing three key axes in the response to NCDs in the Americas:

1. Prevention of risk factors: such as smoking, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. These actions are essential to reduce the burden of diseases that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations.
2. Strengthening the management and control of NCDs: through interventions that improve early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and primary care, ensuring equitable access to quality services and effectively reducing premature mortality.
3. Surveillance and monitoring: indispensable tools for evaluating the effectiveness of policies and interventions, promoting evidence-based decisions that drive sustained change.
   

Disseminating successful experiences and fostering cooperation between countries is crucial to scaling up effective solutions and adapting them to diverse contexts, maximizing the impact of public health actions. Focusing these initiatives on primary care ensures broader, more equitable, and sustainable access, aligned with the principles of universal health coverage.

In addition, progress in the prevention, control, and monitoring of NCDs directly contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 3: Good health and well-being.
• SDG 10: Reduced inequalities.
• SDG 17: Strengthen partnerships for the goals.

This joint effort enables more resilient health systems and healthier communities across the region.

This Call is OPEN for submissions

Participantes:

1. National government authorities: ministries, national agencies, subnational agencies, such as local or regional governments, and other public entities reporting directly to the government.
2. Intergovernmental organizations: the United Nations and its funds and specialized agencies, and other similar organizations.

Languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Portuguese

Submission deadline:
February 28, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time).