Renal health models in Latin America: development of national programs of renal health.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the actions and degree of progress achieved in countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in the implementation of the Sustainable and Tenable Renal Health Model promoted by the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH), together with local societies and the participation of the Pan-American Health Organization. (PAHO/WHO).


METHODS
The implementation of workshops (e.g., "Toward a Sustainable and Tenable Renal Health Model") in each country involving health ministries, social security agencies, PAHO, scientific societies, medical organizations, and NGOs, among others, as well as start-up conferences with a special emphasis on local problems. Working teams will state the bases for planning, programming and evaluation in the Logical Framework Matrix and Matrix of Activities and Resources in the First Level of Care. The signature of the document "Declaration" with commitments undertaken by both public and private parties and a work schedule are required.


RESULTS
So far, eleven countries in the region have conducted workshops and started activity in the frame of the Model/Program of Renal Health, which articulates the traditional vertical programs and generates a cross-program in the First Level of Care. Its components and strategies make up a cost-efficient control of cardiovascular, renal and endocrine-metabolic health.


CONCLUSIONS
The Renal Health Model and its program is being built into public health care policies of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and adapted to the needs of each country with an increasing acceptance on the part of health care professionals. It should not be implemented in isolation but within the framework of non transmissible diseases.
Depine
Santos
S
Administration of Special Programs, Ministry of Health and Environment, México 3271, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina. adepine@intramed.net
Calderón
Rafael Burgos
RB
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017691:Caribbean Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004493:Education; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000191:economics; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007843:Latin America / Q000453:epidemiology; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D009398:Nephrology / Q000193:education; D010175:Pan American Health Organization; D011050:Policy Making; D016730:Program Development / Q000191:economics; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013020:South America / Q000453:epidemiology