Implementation of a community-based hypertension control program in Matanzas, Cuba.

Increased blood pressure is a leading risk factor for death worldwide, and improving the control of hypertension is a major health goal to reduce non-communicable disease. Thus, in 2016, as part of a regional effort between the Pan American Health Organization and Cuban Ministry of Public Health to reduce cardiovascular risk and disease, a community demonstration project was implemented to enhance hypertension control. The intervention project was in a population of 25 868 people served by the Carlos Verdugo Martínez Polyclinic in Matanzas, Cuba.

Prevalence and incidence of chronic kidney disease in Cuba.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a health problem worldwide. This article's objective is to describe CKD's integration into Cuba's National Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) Program and the main outcomes regarding the burden of CKD and associated risk factors in Cuba. Cuba offers free health services to all its citizens on the basis of a strong primary healthcare system focused on prevention.

[Non-communicable diseases: risk factors and actions for their prevention and control in CubaDoenças não transmissíveis: fatores de risco e ações para sua prevenção e controle em Cuba].

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent one of the greatest challenges for development of the 21st century due to their devastating social, economic and public health impact. The objective of this article are to describe the evolution and risk factors for NCDs in Cuba, mainly in the period 1990-2015, to outline actions undertaken by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, and to highlight the most important challenges with a focus on their prevention and control. The information is based on data collected and published by the Directorate of Medical Records and Health Statistics, research on risk factors, other studies and documentation of comprehensive actions.