WHO package of essential noncommunicable (PEN) disease interventions for primary health care

Overview

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD and asthma) and diabetes. NCDs kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally.

An integrated approach is particularly important for low-resource settings for efficient use of limited resources. 
WHO package of essential NCD interventions will help to improve the coverage of appropriate services for people with NCDs services in primary care settings.