Cardio (Caring for Everyone)
Lever
Organization of work processes and care pathways in the Health System
Grant type
Model Development
Beneficiary population
SUS users from the cities of São Paulo (SP), Fortaleza (CE), and Aracaju (SE)
O CARDIO is an initiative that strengthens the screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and control of chronic non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cholesterol — HDOC) in Primary Health Care Units (UBSs). Led by the São Paulo Municipal Health Department, conceived by the Novartis Foundation and supported by Umane, the project was initially implemented by Instituto Tellus and, since 2024, has been run by Beneficência Portuguesa. Innovations incorporated include the cardiovascular risk stratification tool and the Agreed Self-Care Plan (PAP), available on the e-saúde SP platform. The project also promoted the “Cuidando de Todos” Challenge, mobilizing UBS teams to create solutions for engagement and active outreach.
Building on the successful experience in São Paulo, the project gave rise to the CARDIO Coalition, bringing in new partners and expanding to other regions of the country. Umane supports the initiative in Aracaju (SE) — CARDIOAJU — which mobilized 25 of the capital’s 45 UBSs in a pilot phase, and in 2025 the project was expanded to Fortaleza (CE). The expansion is expected to reach at least one more Brazilian city by 2026.
Integrated into the international Cardio4Cities program, which also operates in cities such as Dakar and Ulaanbaatar, the project aims to reach 30 cities worldwide by 2026. The model developed in São Paulo has proven to be replicable and sustainable, serving as a reference for promoting more efficient, preventive, and person-centered primary care in different urban contexts.
Reduction in the mortality rate among patients with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.
of the UBSs (Basic Health Units) in the city of São Paulo had clinical guidelines and lines of care implemented
professionals trained
The Cuidando de Todos (Caring for Everyone) Protocol becomes a guideline in the municipality of São Paulo, guiding managers and healthcare professionals to act in a coordinated manner against NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases) in 2020
UBSs in the 2025 pilot stage
professionals trained
participations in government debate spaces and interest networks
“The CARDIO model is fundamentally important to the Novartis Foundation, both in Brazil and globally. In addition to generating positive impact on public health through the implementation of best practices, CARDIO encourages partnerships between public and private organizations to transform cardiovascular health for the Brazilian population.”