Bogota, 26 September 2024 (PAHO/WHO). The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) hosted a symposium in which it presented the initiative "Better Care for NCDs: Accelerating Actions in Primary Health Care" on September 26, within the framework of the 2nd Congress of the Colombian Physical Activity Network (RedCOLAF). The session was coordinated by Dr. Luis Fernando Alarcón Urrutia, consultant for NCDs at PAHO/WHO, and moderated by Dr. Evelyne Degraff, International Advisor on Family, Health Promotion and Life Course of PAHO/WHO Colombia, included the participation of public health experts and focused on the need to strengthen primary care as a pillar for the prevention and management of NCDs.
The symposium included three main presentations by: Dr. Jonas Gonseth-Garcia, Senior Advisor of PAHO for the "Better Care for NCDs: Accelerating Actions in Primary Health Care" initiative, Dr. Leo Nederveen, Regional Advisor on Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity in Schools, presented the PAHO/WHO tools to address risk and protection factors for NCDs; and finally, Dr. Claudia Ríos, National Consultant for PAHO/WHO in Colombia, shared the set of PAHO/WHO tools for promoting physical activity in schools. Participants were also given technical resources and agendas with WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary habits.
Better Care for NCDs Initiative
The Better Care for NCDs Initiative seeks to strengthen comprehensive care for NCDs in primary health care in the Americas region. Its objectives are: 1, improve the capacity of health systems to plan and implement integrated NCD services; 2, increase the capacity of primary care services to perform quality diagnosis, treatment and ongoing monitoring; and 3, strengthen data collection and monitoring of results in NCD care. PAHO/WHO urges countries to implement this initiative as part of post-pandemic recovery actions during 2023-2030.
The PAHO/WHO symposium was a space for exchanging experiences and knowledge to accelerate actions to prevent and control NCDs from primary health care. Participants highlighted the importance of these initiatives to address the region's growing burden of chronic diseases and promote healthy lifestyles.
Opening remarks by Dr. Gina Tambini Gómez, PAHO/WHO Representative in Colombia
In her opening speech, Dr. Gina Tambini Gómez reaffirmed PAHO/WHO's commitment to promoting physical activity and the fight against NCDs. She thanked the COLAF Network for organizing the event and collaborating on initiatives such as World No Tobacco Day, with activities in Simón Bolívar Park, as well as supporting Healthy Lifestyle Habits Week in Colombia, which promotes the implementation of Law 1355 of 2009 for the prevention of overweight and obesity.
PAHO/WHO Cooperation with Countries
For three days, the COLAF Network Congress brought together professionals from various disciplines, medical-scientific societies, government entities, and international cooperation organizations with the purpose of generating spaces for meetings and collaboration. This forum facilitated the exchange of experiences, local initiatives, and the dissemination of research that seeks to strengthen the promotion of physical activity to improve quality of life and well-being. PAHO/WHO will continue to collaborate with countries and local networks to achieve a positive impact on public health in the Americas.
Related links:
- Website: Better Care for NCDs Initiative
- Publication: Better Care for NCDs: Accelerating Actions in Primary Health Care
- Promoting physical activity through schools: a toolkit
- Promoting physical activity through primary health care: a toolkit
- Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030: more active people for a healthier world
