Cardio (Caring for Everyone)
Lever
Organization of work processes and care pathways in the Health System
Grant type
Model Development
Beneficiary population
SUS users in São Paulo, Ceará and Sergipe
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.
Blood pressure checks had been carried out by December 2024 at the “Cuidando de Todos” corners in the Pirituba district, with data recorded for 3,700 people
of São Paulo city’s primary health care units (UBSs) had the clinical guidelines and care pathways implemented by 2024.
The “Cuidando de Todos” Protocol became an official guideline in the municipality of São Paulo in 2020, guiding health managers and professionals to tackle NCDs in a coordinated way
Implemented in
in 24 of the 41 UBSs (2024).
people reached through active outreach actions (2024).
Implemented in
in 25 of the 45 UBSs (2024).
people reached through active outreach actions (2024).
“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.”
