National Strategies for Preventing and Managing Non-communicable Diseases in Selected Countries

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and are responsible for a high burden of disease. Many countries have developed national strategies for the management and prevention of NCDs to improve the care of chronically ill people or prevent NCDs. This article aims to provide an overview of national NCD strategies from selected countries and their implementation. The focus was on cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes type II, and depression. A comprehensive, structured hand search was conducted in various databases and websites for national strategies on the 4 NCDs. According to pre-defined criteria, 18 strategies from 8 countries (Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia) were selected. The included NCD strategies differ considerably in terms of level of detail, structure and implementation. All strategies include information on planned activities, but only a few provide detailed information on these interventions, including their evaluation. A structured approach from the macro to the micro level seems crucial for a comprehensive, coordinated overall policy. Strategies should be evaluated regularly using appropriate methods to measure target achievement. For the prevention and management of NCDs, it is important to start in early childhood and to adequately consider the social determinants of health with a “Health in All Policies” approach.

A Comprehensive Review on Trends and Patterns of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors in India

“…Furthermore, formulating national integrated strategies for NCD control and prevention is advocated. These strategies should adopt a life-cycle approach, particularly to preventing NCDs in children [56]. Monitoring and evaluation play crucial roles in guiding policy and priorities.…”

“…Monitoring and evaluation play crucial roles in guiding policy and priorities. Establishing a cost-effective NCD surveillance system and evaluating the implementation of national strategies are essential for tracking progress and trends in NCDs and their risk factors [6,56]. Moreover, India can benefit from global and regional strategies, such as the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, and regional plans, such as the "Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs in the WHO European Region 2016-2025."…”

Epidemiological Transition in Indonesia and Its Prevention: A Narrative Review

“…In the medical sector, the discovery of drugs, laboratory research, and advanced technologies allow society to detect disease prevention, reduce disability and dependence on medicine, and premature death [14,15]. Globally, there are three phases of epidemiology transition in developing countries, including Indonesia [6]: a)The age of pestilence and famine/outbreak and starvation phase (17 th to 20 th century). In this phase, the mortality rate is high, even life expectancy is below 40 years old, and growth people uncontrol.…”

“…The ecological theory predicts how the epidemiological transition began [16]. This theory states that non-communicable diseases experienced by a person occur because of their behaviour over many years, from when they were children to adults [1,17]. Such behaviour leads to the development of excess weight (Fig 4).…”

Will a Plant-based Approach Be Sufficient to Address Food Security, Nutritional Adequacy and Sustainability in the Future?

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 74% of all deaths globally, with cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases and diabetes being the leading causes (WHO, 2022). Addressing the challenge of NCDs requires a holistic approach that includes promoting healthy diets and physical activity, strengthening health systems, and addressing underlying social and economic factors that contribute to NCD risk (Gassner et al, 2022). This includes measures such as taxation of unhealthy foods, front-of-pack labelling and policies to promote healthy food environments in schools, workplaces and communities (UN, 2020).…”