Implementation of national action plans on noncommunicable diseases, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam

Abstract

By 2016, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) had developed and implemented national action plans on noncommunicable diseases in line with the Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (2013–2020). In 2018, we assessed the implementation status of the recommended best-buy noncommunicable diseases interventions in seven Asian countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam. We gathered data from a range of published reports and directly from health ministries. We included interventions that addressed the use of tobacco and alcohol, inadequate physical activity and high salt intake, as well as health-systems responses, and we identified gaps and proposed solutions. In 2018, progress was uneven across countries. Implementation gaps were largely due to inadequate funding; limited institutional capacity (despite designated noncommunicable diseases units); inadequate action across different sectors within and outside the health system; and a lack of standardized monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to inform policies. To address implementation gaps, governments need to invest more in effective interventions such as the WHO-recommended best-buy interventions, improve action across different sectors, and enhance capacity in monitoring and evaluation and in research. Learning from the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the WHO and international partners should develop a standardized, comprehensive monitoring tool on alcohol, salt and unhealthy food consumption, physical activity and health-systems response.

Non-communicable diseases’ risk factors in Iran; a review of the present status and action plans

“…An investigation on 30 State Members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) showed these countries have adopted 44 individual policies in three main principles of system strengthening strategies, improved health service delivery, and better population health to tackle NCDs [ 77 ]. Another survey on the implementation of WHO best-buy NCD interventions in seven Asian countries in 2018 found that progress of implemented policies among these countries varied a lot and the significant obstacles of implementation gaps were insufficient funding, limited organizational capacity, inadequate sectoral actions, and a lack of monitoring and evaluation system of policy implementation [ 78 ]. Another survey in India revealed four levels of implementation gap including community level, healthcare facility level, public health system and management level, and policy and research level that need to be handled to combat the NCDs [ 79 ].…”

<p>Systemic Solutions for Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries</p>

“…In these cases, civil societies and patient groups can play an essential role in the execution of these measures. 76 Strategies for implementation of behavior changes need to vary based on environmental differences. Data from Western countries suggest that health awareness does not necessarily elicit a shift in behavior, whilst taxation or other incentives may be more successful.…”

“…For example, the food industry is very influential in many countries and remains a significant barrier to effectively implement and maintain interventions that target unhealthy diets. 76 These industries need to be part of the solution.…”

“…Sustainable Development Goals and their targets, and other targets for NCDs may help accountability in countries as they are regularly monitored and benchmarked. 76 A suggestion to address the multi-level implementation gap is the formation of a consortium of healthcare experts with the following operational guidance:…”

Usability and utility of eHealth for physical activity counselling in primary health care: a scoping review

“…Physical activity (PA) is associated with several health benefits, including a reduction in risks of several medical conditions and premature mortality [ 1 – 3 ]. PA is one of the World Health Organization (WHO)'s important aspects in public health [ 4 ]. WHO has launched the Global Action plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) 2018–2030 to create: (i) active society; (ii) active environments; (iii) active people; and (iv) active systems [ 5 ].…”