Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are among the leading causes of illness and death in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to their impact on people's health, they generate significant economic costs and increasing pressure on healthcare systems. In this context, a free webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (14:00 PM Buenos Aires time). “The cost of inaction: sustainable financing for non-communicable diseases in the Latin America and Caribbean region”.
The activity is organized within the framework of the Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs (FAN) The event will bring together representatives from international organizations, experts, and decision-makers from the region. Participants will exchange experiences and reflect on the challenges and opportunities for strengthening NCD financing in Latin America and the Caribbean. The FAN initiative will also be presented as a regional platform for technical support, learning, and exchange for countries interested in strengthening their NCD financing strategies.
On the other hand, the meeting will present the main findings of a regional assessment on the financing of NCDs in Latin America and the Caribbean, developed from a review of documentary evidence, interviews with key stakeholders, and contributions from the regional dialogue held in Buenos Aires. The analysis identifies how these conditions are currently financed in the region, what the main gaps are, and what opportunities could foster more sustainable responses in the medium and long term.
The event will feature a high-level dialogue with representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The discussion will be moderated by [name of moderator/presenter]. Dr. Adolfo Rubinstein, director of the Center for Implementation and Innovation in Health Policies (CIIPS) of the IECS and former Minister of Health of the Argentine Nation.
The following topics will be covered during the webinar:
- What does the evidence show about the financing of non-communicable diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean?
- What are the main gaps and challenges in funding the prevention, treatment, and ongoing care of these conditions?
- What opportunities exist to move towards more sustainable, efficient, and equitable schemes?
- How can the Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs (FAN) initiative support interested countries through technical assistance, peer learning, and catalytic financing?
- What are the next steps for countries to express their interest in joining the initiative as Country Members o Country Affiliates?
The webinar will be conducted in Spanish and will have simultaneous translation into English for English-speaking participants.
Registration here
Once the registration form is completed, registered individuals will receive an email confirmation and access details for the activity.
Preliminary program
14 PM (ARG) – Start
Institutional Welcome | Agenda Presentation
Dr. Federico Augustovski
FAN LAC Team Leader | Director of the Department of Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics at IECS.
Access Accelerated Representative or FAN – To confirm
- Block 1 | Presentation of the LAC Landscape Report
Mag. Natalia Espinola
Scientific and project management staff of FAN LAC l Health Economics Coordinator in the Department of Health Technology Assessment and Economic Evaluations of the IECS.
- Block 2 — Reactive panel of experts
Institutions represented:
Dr. Ernesto Bascolo
Head of the PAHO Primary Health Care and Integrated Services Unit.
Dr. María Eugenia Bonilla-Chacín
Senior health economist at the World Bank, with extensive experience in primary health care reforms, financial protection, and health financing strategies.
Mag. Javier Guzmán
Head of the Health, Nutrition and Population Division of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Moderator:
Dr. Adolfo Rubinstein
Key personnel of FAN LAC l Director of the Center for Implementation and Innovation in Health Policies (CIIPS) of the IECS; former Minister of Health of the Argentine Nation.
- Block 3 — Presentation of FAN Latin America
Valentina Stacco, Esq.
Project Manager of FAN LAC | Researcher at the Department of Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics of IECS.
Dr. Pablo Gulayin
Scientific and project management staff of FAN LAC l Coordinator of the Department of Research in Chronic Diseases of the IECS.
· Closing words
Dr. Federico Augustovski
FAN LAC Team Leader | Director of the Department of Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics at IECS.
15 PM (ARG) – End