Spotlight on care for noncommunicable diseases and COVID-19

Adults and children living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are more at risk of severe consequences from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). They can also be negatively impacted by the reduction of routine health and social services, delays in diagnosis, lack of adherence to therapy and interruption in the supply of medicines. Physical distancing measures may prevent or delay care-seeking for acute episodes, such as heart attack and stroke, and increase isolation and risk behaviours, such as physical inactivity and use of harmful substances. Evidence from natural disasters and previous pandemics, such as Ebola and influenza A (H1N1), show that, when not properly managed, chronic conditions may be exacerbated by stressful situations, and change of diet and habits.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, proper planning is needed to mitigate its effects on people living with NCDs and its potential to increase illness, disability and avoidable deaths.