Noncommunicable diseases (“NCDs”) remain the leading cause of death in the Americas, accounting for 65 percent of all deaths - some 9.2 million lives annually - according to the Pan American Health Organization (“PAHO”). Cardiovascular disease alone claims 2.16 million lives, followed by cancer (1.37 million), diabetes (420,000) and chronic respiratory diseases (416,000).  

Beneath these numbers lies a structural challenge: many Latin American health systems lack organised, high-quality primary care capable of managing chronic disease over time. As a healthcare and pharmaceutical legal affairs executive confirmed, “The system is failing at its most vulnerable point: Primary Care, which should be the country’s shield.” 

The weakness of frontline care cascades across the entire health ecosystem. “Many people in primary care struggle to get regular follow-ups or essential tests, often because clinics are short on staff, resources, or proper logistics,” observed an advisor to the Brazilian Diabetes Society. “Many municipalities lack interdisciplinary professionals, consultation times are insufficient and therapeutic education programmes for patients and families are sporadic,” added the legal affairs executive.  

In rural or intermediate (not fully urban and not fully rural) regions, as noted by the legal affairs professional, “Patients wait weeks or months for essential exams such as glycated haemoglobin, pulmonary function studies, or cancer screenings.” These delays drive late-stage diagnoses and higher treatment costs, especially among lower-income patients who depend on public systems.  

Investment in scalable, technology-enabled primary care solutions is now the most strategic pathway to sustainable growth. Digital health platforms are already showing that transformation is possible. Telemedicine, remote monitoring and digital coaching have demonstrated measurable success in urban and peri-urban markets across Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile, fuelling a regional digital-health market projected to grow 38 percent in 2024 to reach USD 35 million.  

According to an endocrinologist based in Brazil, “Digital health and telemedicine have huge potential in Brazil’s underserved areas. Programmes under SUS Digital and Telessaúde Brasil already show that when clinics have basic internet and trained teams, remote follow-ups can really help patients stay on track.” The results are tangible, “The TeleNordeste pilot programme is a good example, where nurses followed diabetes patients by WhatsApp in rural Pernambuco, and adherence went up while missed visits dropped. Simple setup, real impact.” 

However, structural barriers persist. “Around 35–40 percent of Brazil’s municipal centres, mostly in the North and Northeast, still face serious connectivity or infrastructure barriers that limit consistent telemedicine use,” the endocrinologist warned. “The lack of technological infrastructure and connectivity in rural and peripheral areas is the most severe bottleneck,” echoed the executive.  

“Around 35–40 percent of Brazil’s municipal centres...still face serious connectivity or infrastructure barriers that limit consistent telemedicine use.”

Endocrinologist, Brazil

Beyond hardware, human factors remain decisive. “Some doctors and nurses still feel uncomfortable relying on remote data, and a lot of patients simply don’t have smartphones or confidence to use apps,” commented the legal professional. “Having the technology is not enough; many healthcare professionals lack the proper training to efficiently use telemedicine tools,” added the health advisor. Building digital trust requires hybrid models that blend technology with human connection. “It’s crucial to invest in patient-support programmes, things like reminders, virtual check-ins and basic training so treatment actually works in everyday life,” emphasised a source. 

“The issue is not merely about resources, but about problem-solving capacity and integration,” remarked the legal affairs executive. Public-Private Partnerships (“PPPs”) are essential to ensure sustainability. Companies like Novo Nordisk and Abbott are already moving in this direction. As a university professor observed, “Novo Nordisk’s expansion in Montes Claros shows real commitment, it’s not just about producing more drugs but making access to them easier too.” Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre, a continuous glucose monitoring system used by people with diabetes, is “already popular in private clinics,” demonstrating how “training professionals and building trust” can accelerate adoption. If public systems expand coverage, “Abbott could move fast, as they already have the ecosystem in place.” 

“Novo Nordisk’s expansion in Montes Claros shows real commitment, it’s not just about producing more drugs but making access to them easier too.”

University professor, Brazil

“The Non-Communicable Disease care market in Latin America is at a turning point,” declared one source. Diagnostics and technology firms, digital health platforms and pharmaceutical companies with value-based programmes will emerge as the main winners. “Multinational players like Roche, Abbott, Siemens Healthineers and Philips are investing in early diagnosis and monitoring, while digital platforms such as 1Doc3, Dr. Consulta, and Conexa Saúde deliver integrated teleconsultations.” Even digital economy players like Rappi are entering the space, “including medication delivery.” 

Latin America’s NCD burden is no longer just a public-health issue, but a catalyst for innovation, partnership and long-term value creation. Those who act now to close the digital gap will not only transform care but write the prescription for the future market of chronic disease management.