Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, are the greatest source of preventable illness, disability and mortality both locally and regionally.

NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, nine of the top 10 causes of death are from NCDs. Risk factors of major concern are obesity, exposure to tobacco smoke, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and alcohol abuse.

C-TECH’s work in this area will focus on the four main types of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer and diabetes.

To strengthen Chronic Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Services, C-TECH will utilize best practices from the HIV programme to develop strategies to better respond to NCDs and build the capacity of healthcare workers through primary care interventions.

C-TECH will also deliver on-site clinical and virtual mentoring programmes to build greater resilience of health services and systems to manage the risk of COVID-19 among persons living with NCDs.

C-TECH will expand its work on NCDs in the Caribbean region by building partnerships with other stakeholders and existing health-promoting networks in the region. Recognizing their expertise and potential contribution, C-TECH will strengthen its processes of consultation and collaboration with civil society, non-governmental organizations and relevant professional sharing the same interest in combating NCDs.