Plan for Combating Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases in Brazil, 2011-2022: What goals were achieved?

Abstract

Brazil has made a commitment to reducing Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) by implementing the Strategic Action Plan to Tackle NCDs (2011-2022), which established specific targets for control and prevention. This study aimed to assess the achievement of these targets and to project the reduction in NCD mortality by 2030. It is an evaluative study using data from the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for NCDs by Telephone Interviews and the Global Burden of Disease study. Mortality rates from NCDs and the prevalence of risk and protective factors were analyzed. Among the indicators monitored, the targets for curbing the growth of obesity (an increase from 15.1% in 2010 to 24.3% in 2023), for cervical cancer screening coverage (a drop from 82.2% to 76.8%), and for reducing mortality from NCDs (an average annual decrease of just 1.4%) were not achieved. However, there was a 9.7% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, and the targets for physical activity, tobacco use reduction, and mammograms were met. The prevalence of risk factors fluctuated over time, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and adjustments in NCD prevention strategies.