1. NCD in Uruguay Ministry of Health Non-communicable Diseases Program
Dr Alvaro Niggemeyer MD

2. Population (2008)
Population density 18 persons per sq km
Life expectancy of years, 72% males, 79% males

3. Health System
Ministry of Health runs the health policies including a Department for NCD.
National Health System runs the care system in the country including 48 privates and public health providers.
Cost for health system (in 2008):
U$S millions a year
7.5% GDP .

4. The role of the new NCD Department
Developing health regulations relating to NCD
Planning preventive and promotion actions
Coordinate and make the surveillance of NCD activities

5. High disease burden for NCD
NCD caused 70% of all deaths
33.8% cardiovascular disease
22.6% neoplasias
NCD represents 60% of the cost of medical care.

6. High burden for NCD
percercentage of years of life lost due to NCD

7. NCD risk factors prevalence
The WHO STEPS survey in Uruguay revealed that risk factors were:
Inadequate fruits and vegetable intake 85.7%
Tobacco use %
Low Physical activity %
Obesity/overweight %
Hypertension %
Diabetes %
Fuente: 1ª Encuesta Nacional de Factores de Riesgo de ECNT (2006)

8. Uruguay leads The MPOWER Policy Package for Global Tobacco Control

9. Decree ban smoking in closed public areas
came into effect on March 1, 2006.
Success in Uruguay
Decree ban smoking in closed public areas 9

10. Tobacco use decreased from 32.7% to 25%
What were the results?
Tobacco use decreased from 32.7% to 25%
Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)2009 11

11. 17.1% Reduction of Myocardial Infarction
CIET, Uruguay 2009 12

12. Challenges
The great challenge is fighting against other risk factors promoting healthy lifestyle:
Healthy diet
Reduction of sodium in the diet Physical activity