Noncommunicable Diseases Progress Monitor 2020. Scorecard for the Americas

ABSTRACT

This scorecard has been developed by PAHO to highlight the country capacity for noncommunicable diseases and showcase regional results from the global NCD Progress Monitor 2020. It provides a snapshot of key NCD indicators across all countries in the Region of the Americas, and complements the country profiles published on the WHO 2020 Progress Monitor for Noncommunicable Diseases. The tool aims to promote understanding of the response to NCDs and assist decision-making for NCD program improvement. The WHO Progress Monitor 2020 for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), the third of a series, provides information on the country capacity for NCDs, measured by the 19 indicators on NCDs. They include setting time-bound targets to reduce NCD deaths; developing all-of-government policies to address NCDs; implementing key tobacco demand reduction measures, measures to reduce harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets and promote physical activity; and strengthening health systems through primary health care and universal health coverage. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors are the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and disability in the Americas, and they represent both a public health challenge and a serious threat to economic and social development. In the Region of the Americas, NCDs cause approximately 5.5 million deaths per year, representing 80.7% of all deaths in the region. Of the total deaths from NCDs, 38.9% are premature deaths occurring in people under 70 years of age.