Public Programs for Essential Medicine Access in a Small Municipality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) are a public health problem and one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Brazil and around the world. 1 In 2015, there were approximately 1.13 billion adults with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) worldwide, and this number is expected to reach 1.6 billion by 2025. [2][3][4] In 2017, the International Diabetes Federation estimated that 8.8% (ranging from: 7.2 to 11.3) of the world's population, ie, 424.9 million people between 20 and 79 years old, have diabetes mellitus (DM). 5,6 One important factor for the increased prevalence of CNCDs in Brazil is the recent aging of the population. This requires health actions, including the adequate provision of medications. 7,8 Drug therapy, which is necessary to control and prevent acute and chronic complications of SAH and DM, leads to lower morbidity and mortality and increased quality of life. Thus, ensuring access to medication has become a fundamental strategy in Brazilian public health policies. 9