Fundacion Interamericana del Corazon Argentina

Mission, agenda and work priorities Tobacco consumption, malnutrition, harmful use of alcohol and physical inactivity are the main determinants of non-communicable diseases. For people to adopt healthy lifestyles public health policies are needed to modify the environment and to create the conditions that encourage healthy decisions. These measures must be inclusive and prioritize low- income sectors. These sectors face the greatest barriers to adopt healthy habits, suffer more from the consequences of non-communicable diseases and have poor access to health services. FIC Argentina was created in 2008 following this non-communicable diseases approach. FIC is a non-profit organization, self... read more Mission, agenda and work priorities Tobacco consumption, malnutrition, harmful use of alcohol and physical inactivity are the main determinants of non-communicable diseases. For people to adopt healthy lifestyles public health policies are needed to modify the environment and to create the conditions that encourage healthy decisions. These measures must be inclusive and prioritize low- income sectors. These sectors face the greatest barriers to adopt healthy habits, suffer more from the consequences of non-communicable diseases and have poor access to health services. FIC Argentina was created in 2008 following this non-communicable diseases approach. FIC is a non-profit organization, self- financed and formally constituted in Argentina. Along with FIC Mexico, FIC Jamaica, and FIC Bolivia, it is affiliated to the InterAmerican Heart Foundation (IAHF), an organization created in 1995 in the United States, with whom FIC Argentina shares its mission. Mission To promote public policies and social changes that guarantee the protection of the right to health through the reduction of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Vision We wish to live in a country where public health is regarded as a human right, with policies that contribute to reduce morbi- mortality caused by preventable non-communicable diseases and which promotes social development and the reduction of inequality and vulnerability. Goals To promote legislation and the development of effective public policies to reduce the impact of non-communicable diseases. To contribute to the design, implementation and assessment of public health policies through research. To contribute with capacity building and networking with other civil society organizations to promote the implementations of public concerning health prevention and promotion. To defend people's right to health through advocacy for the fulfillment of obligations assumed by the States through international laws and treaties. To educate and create awareness among people to promote a cultural change necessary to adopt healthy habits and lifestyles. Our Agenda To prevent and control non-communicable diseases Tobacco control To promote healthy eating To promote physical activity To prevent harmful use of alcohol Main Approaches Human rights Gender Inequality/ Inequity/ Poverty Why FIC Argentina? 60% of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases 6 out of 10 adults and 3 out of 10 adolescents are overweight 1 out of 2 adults have sedentary lifestyles The average age in which Argentinian girls and boys start smoking is 13 years old Tobacco consumption kills more than 44.000 people every year Alcohol consumption starts around the age of 14 Only 2 out of 10 adolescents practice enough physical activity Children from low income sectors have 31% more chances of being overweight, which proves that obesity is a problem associated with poverty. Argentina spends 12% of its health expenditure to treat tobacco consumption- related diseases Children are exposed to 60 fast food TV commercials per week. More than 70% of older adults do not practice physical activity. FIC Argentina aims to change this reality by promoting inclusive and equitable public policies.