This article describes efforts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) that have supported
progress in country-driven planning and implementing of actions to address noncommunicable diseases
(NCD), as well as mechanisms that PAHO has supported for countries in the Americas to share and build
on each other’s experiences. The Regional Strategy and Plan of Action for NCD, approved by all member
states in 2006, is the major frame for this work. The strategy has 4 lines of action: policy and advocacy;
surveillance; health promotion and disease prevention; and integrated management of NCD and risk factors