Enhancing Intersectoral Collaboration to Address Noncommunicable Diseases in Guatemala – OPS/WHO Analysis

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October 2, 2025

Antigua Guatemala – A groundbreaking regional initiative aimed at addressing the escalating challenge of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was launched in Guatemala on September 24, 2025.The Ministry of Public Health and Social assistance (MSPAS) spearheaded the effort, collaborating with health service networks from Sacatepéquez, Chimaltenango, suchitepéquez, and escuintla.

Addressing a growing Health Crisis

The formation of this regional technical table represents a significant evolution from a prior departmental initiative in Escuintla, created in response to a concerning increase in chronic kidney disease within that area.Recognizing the need for a broader, collaborative approach, officials expanded the scope to encompass multiple departments and foster greater participation from both public and private sector stakeholders.

Representatives from the National Renal Health Program and the National Non-Transmissible Diseases Program of the MSPAS, alongside key personnel from the National Hospital of Escuintla, actively participated in the launch. The pan American Health Association/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) lent vital technical support, providing expert guidance throughout the process.

Focus on Integrated Care and Prevention

Central to the initiative is the promotion of PAHO/WHO’s “Better attention for NCDs” program, a strategy designed to bolster primary healthcare systems. This will ensure more equitable access to preventative measures, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatment options for prevalent chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic kidney disease.

The discussions encompassed key strategies such as the “Hearts” initiative,the Regional Action Plan on Prevention and Control of NCDs 2025-2030,and the Municipalities,Environments and Healthy Communities (MECS) approach. These strategies prioritize a holistic, intersectoral approach that tackles the underlying social determinants of health.

According to the WHO,NCDs account for approximately 74% of all deaths globally. This data highlights the urgent need for preventative measures and accessible healthcare solutions, especially in regions like Central America.

Key Initiative	Description
“Better attention for NCDs”	PAHO/WHO program enhancing primary healthcare for equitable access.
Hearts Initiative	Focuses on reducing premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
Regional Action Plan 2025-2030	Framework for NCD prevention and control in the region.
MECS Approach	Intersectoral strategy addressing social determinants of health.

PAHO/WHO has pledged continued technical assistance to Guatemala, reinforcing its commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of the nation’s population. This collaborative effort signals a proactive step towards mitigating the growing burden of chronic diseases in Guatemala.

Did You Know? Early detection is crucial in managing many chronic diseases. Regular check-ups and screenings can considerably improve treatment outcomes.

Pro Tip: Adopting a healthy lifestyle,including a balanced diet and regular exercise,is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic diseases.

What steps do you think are most critical in addressing the increase of chronic diseases in your community? How can healthcare systems better integrate preventative care into routine checkups?

Understanding Noncommunicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person. They are long-lasting conditions that can be caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors. Common examples include heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. These conditions pose a significant global health challenge, impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems worldwide.

Preventative measures,such as promoting healthy diets,encouraging regular physical activity,and reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption,are essential in mitigating the risk of developing NCDs. Early detection through regular screenings and access to affordable healthcare are also critical components of an effective response.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Diseases in Guatemala

• What are the most prevalent chronic diseases in Guatemala? Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic kidney disease are among the most common.
• How does PAHO/WHO support Guatemala in combating chronic diseases? PAHO/WHO provides technical assistance, promotes best practices, and supports the implementation of national health programs.
• What is the MECS approach to health? It’s an intersectoral approach focusing on the social determinants of health within municipalities, environments, and communities.
• Why is early detection of chronic diseases significant? Early detection allows for timely intervention and management, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.
• What role does primary healthcare play in preventing chronic diseases? Primary healthcare is crucial for providing preventative services, health education, and early screenings.
• What is the Hearts initiative? It’s a global initiative focused on reducing premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases through evidence-based interventions.
• How can individuals reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases? Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, is vital.

Share this article with your network to raise awareness about the importance of chronic disease prevention! What are your thoughts on Guatemala’s new initiative? Share your comments below.

How can Guatemala strengthen governance and coordination to effectively implement a national NCD strategy, as recommended by OPS/WHO?

The Landscape of NCDs in Guatemala: A Public Health Challenge

Guatemala faces a notable and growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. These conditions are not only leading causes of mortality but also contribute substantially to disability and economic strain. the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has consistently highlighted the need for a strengthened, multi-faceted approach to combat this escalating health crisis. A core component of this approach is robust intersectoral collaboration – moving beyond conventional healthcare responses. Understanding the epidemiology of NCDs in Guatemala is crucial; risk factors like poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption are prevalent, often linked to socioeconomic disparities and limited access to health promotion initiatives.

OPS/WHO Recommendations for Collaborative Action

the OPS/WHO analysis emphasizes several key areas for enhancing collaboration. These aren’t simply suggestions; they represent a framework for systemic change.

* Strengthening Governance & Coordination: Establishing a national coordinating mechanism,ideally led by a high-level interministerial committee,is paramount. this body shoudl be responsible for developing and monitoring a national NCD strategy with clear, measurable targets. This requires political commitment and dedicated resources.

* Health in All policies: This principle advocates for integrating health considerations into all government policies, not just those directly related to healthcare. For exmaple:

* Agriculture: Promoting the production and consumption of healthy foods, reducing subsidies for unhealthy options.

* Education: Implementing thorough health education programs in schools, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco/alcohol prevention.

* Finance: Implementing taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages to discourage consumption and generate revenue for health programs.

* Urban Planning: Creating environments that encourage physical activity, such as pedestrian-friendly streets and accessible parks.

* Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging the private sector in NCD prevention and control efforts. This could involve collaborations with food and beverage companies to reformulate products, with media outlets to promote healthy lifestyles, and with employers to implement workplace wellness programs. Clarity and conflict-of-interest management are vital in these partnerships.

* Community Engagement: Empowering communities to take ownership of their health. This involves supporting local initiatives, promoting health literacy, and ensuring that NCD prevention programs are culturally appropriate and responsive to local needs. community health workers play a critical role here.

Sector-Specific Roles & Responsibilities

Effective intersectoral collaboration requires clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each sector.

Sector	Key Responsibilities
Health	Providing clinical services, disease surveillance, health promotion, and training of healthcare professionals.
Education	Implementing health education programs, promoting healthy school environments, and training teachers on health issues.
Agriculture	Promoting the production and consumption of healthy foods, regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods, and supporting enduring agricultural practices.
Finance	Implementing taxes on unhealthy products, allocating resources to NCD prevention and control programs, and incentivizing healthy behaviors.
Transportation	Developing infrastructure that promotes physical activity (e.g.,bike lanes,pedestrian walkways) and reduces air pollution.
Environment	Addressing environmental risk factors for NCDs, such as air and water pollution.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health: A Critical Link

The OPS/WHO analysis underscores the importance of addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to NCD risk. These include poverty, lack of education, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare. Health equity must be a central focus.

* Poverty Reduction Programs: Investing in programs that reduce poverty and improve socioeconomic conditions can have a significant impact on NCD rates.

* Improved Access to Education: Increasing access to quality education, notably for girls and marginalized populations, can empower individuals to make informed health choices.

* Universal Health Coverage: Ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable, quality healthcare services is essential for early detection and management of NCDs.

* Food Security Initiatives: Addressing food insecurity and promoting access to nutritious foods are crucial for preventing obesity and diet-related NCDs.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Measuring Impact & Ensuring Accountability

A robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework is essential for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and ensuring accountability. This framework should include:

1. Clearly Defined Indicators: Selecting indicators that are relevant, measurable, achievable, reliable, and time-bound (SMART). Examples include prevalence of smoking, rates of obesity, and mortality rates from cardiovascular disease.
2. Data Collection Systems: Establishing reliable data collection systems to track these indicators over time. This may involve strengthening existing health