Delivering Primary Care for Non-communicable Diseases

World Bank

Delivering Primary Care for Non-communicable Diseases

Autores

World Bank

Editor

Washington, DC: World Bank

Descripción

The global prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) continues to escalate, leading to a substantial burden of disease. NCDs account for 74 percent of all global deaths, causing approximately 41 million fatalities annually, with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes being the main contributors. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate share of this burden, experiencing around 82 percent of premature NCD-related deaths. Yet, many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are inadequately prepared to deliver comprehensive care for major NCDs, as primary health care (PHC) services mainly focus on the provision of acute and episodic care, leaving gaps in coverage and quality of essential services for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of NCDs across the care continuum. While a broad range of cost-effective, equitable, and evidence-based interventions to address the growing burden of NCDs have been identified, the challenge lies in effectively delivering these interventions, particularly in health systems facing significant resource constraints. Integrating NCD care into primary health care (PHC) services is key to expanding access to care closer to communities, supporting health promotion and facilitating NCD prevention and control, and alleviating the burden of care at higher-level facilities. New strategies and innovative solutions are needed to achieve this approach and improve outcomes across the care continuum, from reducing risk factors to sustainably managing chronic conditions at the PHC level.