CARMEN - An Initiative for Integrated Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases in the Americas

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can be prevented if a public health approach is adopted. This implies the recognition of the continuum of healthy populations, disease prevention, and disease control, and in this context, the implementation of cost-effective population-based actions which consider the needs of different groups. Strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs must bridge across three different levels of action: policy building, community-based activities, and health care services.