Chronic diseases also known as Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) -namely cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes- are the leading causes of premature death and disability in most countries in the Americas. These diseases share common risk factors which include tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets. NCDs can be prevented and controlled through changes in lifestyle, public policies and health interventions and require an intersectoral and integrated approach.