Non Communicable Diseases: “a slow speed emergency”. A challenge for Chile

Abstract

Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are the main cause of death worldwide and in Chile. Behavioural risk factors – tobacco, an unhealthy diet, insufficient physical exercise, and alcohol abuse, together with the economic transition, swift urbanization and the 21st century lifestyles are the main cause of these conditions, which in turn are a macroeconomic challenge to development. The NCDs pandemic is rooted in poverty and particularly affects the poor. The interventions that have proved to be most effective in reducing the NCDs are those aimed at the prevention, at population level, of the above mentioned factors. Although Chile has accepted the main initiatives proposed by WHO in order to fight those factors, their implementation is still not complete. Progress has been achieved in some aspects, but important challenges remain in the areas of epidemiological surveillance of NCDs, and of PHC strengthening particularly in regard to human, financial and technological resources. The task of addressing the risk factors and the social determinants of health excedes the capability of the health care sector and requires a multisectorial response, with the participation of the public and private sectors, civil society and international collaboration. The UN high level Meeting on Prevention and Control of NCDs, in September 2011, marks the beginning of a process for which the leadership of the Chilean Government is required in order to prevent or mitigate the impact of these diseases on individuals, and particulrly on the most vulnerable ones.