This session on Health System Innovation will cover health governance for NCDs, health equity, and social determinants in the LAC region. Discussions will focus on the role of politics in implementing research and driving policy change in public health. The importance of teaching Public Health will be emphasized. An intriguing case study of the high number of centenarians in Martinique will be explored, along with its costs and benefits for the island. Additionally, there will be a panel discussion on the endothelium’s significance in cardiovascular health and its implications for public health strategies.

Session 2 will discuss a comprehensive approach to preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) with a focus on fighting hypertension in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The role of implementation science and the HEARTS Initiative for the Americas in this endeavor will be highlighted. Participants will explore multicomponent interventions targeting (Pre)-Hypertension in underprivileged populations. Moreover, the session will delve into the influence of environmental factors on health behaviors, risk factors, and diseases. A panel discussion will provide diverse perspectives on these critical topics. Finally, the session will touch upon health system reform and innovation as a means to achieve better health outcomes.

Session 3 will focus on Lifestyle Medicine (LM) and its impact on health and well-being. The discussions will cover the importance of Exercise Medicine in promoting a healthy lifestyle and its benefits for overall health. Additionally, the session will delve into the connection between Sexual Health and Lifestyle Medicine, emphasizing how lifestyle choices can influence sexual well-being. Participants will gain valuable insights into adopting healthier lifestyles and understanding the relationship between lifestyle factors and various aspects of health.

Session 4 will focus on the intersection of Lifestyle Medicine and Respiratory Diseases. The discussions will revolve around the respiratory impact of household pollution and the importance of addressing Pre-COPD (early stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) through lifestyle interventions. The session will shed light on the impact of COPD on public health in Latin America, offering future perspectives for improved management.

A panel discussion will focus on Smoking Cessation, emphasizing its significance in reducing respiratory health risks. Moreover, participants will explore the relationship between Nutrition and the Microbiome, understanding how dietary choices can influence respiratory health. The session will also address the role of environmental carcinogens in respiratory diseases, highlighting the need for preventive measures and lifestyle changes to promote respiratory well-being.

Session 5 will center on Cancer Prevention and explore various aspects related to this critical area of healthcare. Participants will delve into the genetic causes of cancer in the Caribbean, gaining insights into the region’s unique challenges and opportunities for prevention. The session will highlight the significance of population screening in Curacao, showcasing effective strategies for early detection.

Furthermore, the discussion will revolve around the development of an information system for early cancer detection, enabling more timely interventions. The Latin American Code Against Cancer will be a key focus, offering a comprehensive framework for cancer prevention and control in the region.

A panel discussion will provide diverse perspectives on cancer prevention, bringing together experts to discuss innovative approaches and challenges in this field. Overall, the session aims to equip participants with valuable knowledge and strategies to combat cancer effectively and promote early detection for better patient outcomes.

Session 6 will center on Nutrition and Overweight, addressing various critical aspects related to combating obesity and promoting healthier dietary habits. Participants will explore the hidden nutritional challenges in addressing obesity in the Caribbean, understanding the region’s unique factors influencing this issue. The Barbados School Nutrition Policy will be highlighted as an effective approach to promote better eating habits among the younger population.

The session will delve into experimental nutritional interventions in rural Guatemala, shedding light on innovative strategies for improving nutrition in underserved areas. Food labeling and school nutrition in Chile will be discussed, showcasing how policy measures can impact dietary choices and health outcomes.

Moreover, the link between Diet, Cancer, and Cardiometabolic Diseases will be examined, emphasizing the role of nutrition in preventing these health conditions. The session will also address the challenges of overweight in poverty areas and among immigrants in The Netherlands, offering insights into tackling health disparities.

A discussion involving two individuals sharing their experiences of losing weight, one with success and the other with struggles, will provide valuable perspectives on weight management journeys. Finally, participants will explore the concept of nutritional transition, understanding how dietary patterns evolve with economic and social changes.

Overall, the session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between nutrition, overweight, and health, offering effective strategies to promote healthier lifestyles and combat obesity.