Ncd Prevention

This study investigates the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among Jamaican children aged 0-5 years, a critical yet understudied population. Using secondary data from national health surveys, including the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions and Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III, the analysis focused on asthma, sickle cell disease, and early-onset diabetes. The sample (N = 1,200) was demographically representative by sex, age group, residence, and household income. Findings indicate that asthma is the most prevalent NCD, affecting 13.5% of children, with significantly higher rates observed in urban (16%), urban children 2-3 years old (18.2%), and those in low-income households. Logistic regression revealed that urban residence (OR = 2.10, p < .001) and low household income (OR = 1.80, p = .004) independently increased the likelihood of asthma diagnosis. Sickle cell disease prevalence was 2.8%, consistent across socioeconomic and geographic strata, reflecting its genetic basis. Early-onset diabetes was rare (0.7%), with a slightly elevated prevalence in urban areas. The study highlights the disproportionate burden of asthma among socio-economically disadvantaged and urban children, underscoring the role of environmental and social determinants in early childhood NCDs. These findings emphasise the necessity for enhanced surveillance, early screening, and targeted public health interventions addressing both genetic and modifiable risk factors. Integration of NCD screening into maternal and child health services, coupled with policies aimed at improving urban environmental conditions and reducing poverty, is critical. This research contributes to filling a vital knowledge gap on early childhood NCDs in Jamaica. It supports the development of equity-focused, evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of death and more than 40% of NCD deaths are premature occurring before the age of 70 years. In 2012, World Health Assembly declared its commitment to reduce premature NCD mortality by 25% from 2010 to 2025. The trend of premature NCD deaths in Sri Lanka has not been assessed and thus this study was done to assess it between 2001 to 2010. Deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes were studied. Premature NCD mortality was assessed using unconditional probability of dying (UPoD) due to NCDs among those aged 30 to 70 years. Number of relevant premature NCD deaths that occurred in each 5-year age interval and the respective mid-year population was used to calculate UPoD. During the period of 2001 to 2010, premature NCD mortality in Sri Lanka increased from 15·8% to 19·1% and males showed higher mortality compared to females throughout the period. Highest mortality was due to c...

This article discusses the food and nutrition security situation in CARICOM countries through the lens of a conceptual model that links food, nutrition and health. Based upon a review of relevant literature and judicious use of country-level official data, the authors make the case for policy makers to take a more proactive approach to the implementation of their respective national food and nutrition security policies. This recommendation is made in light of the increasing acuity of key food and nutrition security problems that continue to plague these countries, including high food import-dependence, and the prevalence of obesity and overweight, which are risk factors in the increasing prevalence of chronic, non-communicable diseases, the main public health problems in the region. These, and related food and nutrition security problems, continue to exist despite progress made by CARICOM countries at the policy level with the formulation of regional and national food and nutrition ...

Background: Community-based approaches have been identified as an effective strategy to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. However, little is known about community as a concept among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings and stakeholders' interactions and engagement in NCDs prevention and management. Objective: The aim of this study was to understand; (1) the meaning of community among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged suburbs in Region Stockholm and (2) how communities interact and engage with stakeholders at local and regional levels for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in three municipalities in Region Stockholm with a high proportion of migrants. Multiple data collection methods were used, including observations of community activities; interviews with community members, representatives of public authorities and NGOs; and group interviews with healthcare providers. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Community was perceived as living in close proximity with shared beliefs, values and resources. Although they recognized its social and cultural diversity, community members focused more on the commonalities of living in their neighborhood and less on their differences in country of birth and languages spoken. Several mismatches between awareness of community needs and the available skills and resources among stakeholders for T2D prevention were identified. Stakeholders expressed awareness of T2D risk and interest in addressing it in a culturally appropriate manner. Conclusion: Interaction between the communities and stakeholders was limited, as was engagement in T2D prevention and management. This highlights barriers in the collaboration between community, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders which consequently affect the implementation of preventive interventions. Innovative ways to link the community to the healthcare sector and other local government institutions are needed to build the capacity of health systems for T2D prevention in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

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Background: Community-based approaches have been identified as an effective strategy to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. However, little is known about community as a concept among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings and stakeholders' interactions and engagement in NCDs prevention and management. Objective: The aim of this study was to understand; (1) the meaning of community among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged suburbs in Region Stockholm and (2) how communities interact and engage with stakeholders at local and regional levels for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in three municipalities in Region Stockholm with a high proportion of migrants. Multiple data collection methods were used, including observations of community activities; interviews with community members, representatives of public authorities and NGOs; and group interviews with healthcare providers. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Community was perceived as living in close proximity with shared beliefs, values and resources. Although they recognized its social and cultural diversity, community members focused more on the commonalities of living in their neighborhood and less on their differences in country of birth and languages spoken. Several mismatches between awareness of community needs and the available skills and resources among stakeholders for T2D prevention were identified. Stakeholders expressed awareness of T2D risk and interest in addressing it in a culturally appropriate manner. Conclusion: Interaction between the communities and stakeholders was limited, as was engagement in T2D prevention and management. This highlights barriers in the collaboration between community, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders which consequently affect the implementation of preventive interventions. Innovative ways to link the community to the healthcare sector and other local government institutions are needed to build the capacity of health systems for T2D prevention in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

IDS is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (No. 877338). The IDS programme on Strengthening Evidence-based Policy works across seven key themes. Each theme works with partner institutions to co-construct policy-relevant knowledge and engage in policy-influencing processes. This material has been developed under the Policy Anticipation, Response and Evaluation theme, Tomorrow Today programme. Input on Foresight methodologies was provided by Alun Rhydderch of the School of International Futures. The material has been funded by UK aid from the UK Government, however the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK Government's official policies.

Background: Community-based approaches have been identified as an effective strategy to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. However, little is known about community as a concept among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings and stakeholders' interactions and engagement in NCDs prevention and management. Objective: The aim of this study was to understand; (1) the meaning of community among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged suburbs in Region Stockholm and (2) how communities interact and engage with stakeholders at local and regional levels for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in three municipalities in Region Stockholm with a high proportion of migrants. Multiple data collection methods were used, including observations of community activities; interviews with community members, representatives of public authorities and NGOs; and group interviews with healthcare providers. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Community was perceived as living in close proximity with shared beliefs, values and resources. Although they recognized its social and cultural diversity, community members focused more on the commonalities of living in their neighborhood and less on their differences in country of birth and languages spoken. Several mismatches between awareness of community needs and the available skills and resources among stakeholders for T2D prevention were identified. Stakeholders expressed awareness of T2D risk and interest in addressing it in a culturally appropriate manner. Conclusion: Interaction between the communities and stakeholders was limited, as was engagement in T2D prevention and management. This highlights barriers in the collaboration between community, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders which consequently affect the implementation of preventive interventions. Innovative ways to link the community to the healthcare sector and other local government institutions are needed to build the capacity of health systems for T2D prevention in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

Introduction: Physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and smoking are expressed as hypertension, obesity, high serum lipids and hyperglycaemia. Interactions with each other are associated with continuous elevation of CVD risk. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to promote a preventive-therapeutic programme for patients with obesity, intra-abdominal fat mass, increased risk for CVD, NIDDM, other obesity-related chronic diseases and metabolic disturbance. The main objectives were: to develop the method for the prescription of programmed physical activity (PA) in accordance with the individual performing the exercise using stress test ′′vita maxima′′ by Bruce, to examine the efficacy of the method on CVD risk reduction in abdominally obese patients and to construct the index for predicting the effects of programmed PA and/or diet therapy in the abdominal obese population at above/high risk for CVD.MethodsThe basic criterion for patients selection in 4 groups of physical activity level (PALs) was the initial level of VO2 max (METs). The method for modelling programmed PA was established using classification for aerobic fitness(WHO,1974). Training puls was calculated using an equation by Karvonen M. Initial aerobic fitness level was expressed in terms of VO2 max (METs). METs were calculated by the equation: VO 2max(mlkg-1min-1)/3,5. The intensity of PA was expressed in terms of METs (WHO,1985/Andersen KL,1978). Using tables of gross energy expenditure of various PAwere chosen different types of PA. The frequency of exercise was 30 min/6 times per wk or 60 min/3 times per wk. The proposed CVD risk management includes physical activity and hypocaloric, hyper protein diets of 1200kcal/d and 1400kcal/d (second phase) with low atherogenic index. Table 1: Method for prescription of physical activity in PALs groups, in accordance to relative intensity (%HR max reserve) and Inicijal level of VO2 max (METs). Results: The efficacy of prescribed PA and/or diet therapy on CVD risk reduction were examined in 82 abdominal obese patients (age:42.64±13.56) included in 7wk randomized controlled trial. To estimate the significant reduction in CVD risk factors between two patient,s groups with control used the statistical method Manova. Improved VO 2max at17.16% from baseline promoted a significantly greater reduction in the level of CVD risk factors: BWkg., %F, WHR, WR, LDL/HDL, HDL, TA-sist) in FAD (physical activity and diet) group than those in D (diet) group of obese patients. HDL was increased at 10.41% from baseline in FAD and decreased at 9.3% in the D group (Fig. 1). To predict the effects of CVD risk management using logistic regression, exponent B was interpreted in terms of relative risk (“RR”). The new index as a logistic model in form of the equation is RR=108.2588–1.7689 x Skin fold thickness-biceps in + 1.7087 x BMI-in + 0.3993 x Hb-in–2.9423 x VO2max-expected mean value–10.5402xWHOin+0.0770x50%kcal/h. This method for the prescription of programmed PA is proposed since the relative risk is upper than 1 (“RR”>1). Fig. 1: Significant changes in the level of VO2 max and “major” risk factors for CVD and other NCD between FAD (physical activity and diet) and D (diet) groups of abdominal obese patients. Conclusion: Significant reduction in CVD risk in the FAD group, enlarged types of PA, enabled safe performance and avoid the risk of cardiovascular events at abdominal obese individuals was achieved through prescription and modelling of programmed PA using our method.
(2) (PDF) Prescription and modelling of programmed physical activity in an integrated CVD and other NCD risk management. Topic: Physical Activity, Health & Fitness.

The Caribbean&#39;s long history of cooperation in health now focuses on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), given that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have the highest NCD burden in the Americas. The heads of government convened a first in the world one-day summit on NCDs, largely due to advocacy by George Alleyne and others, on the health, social, and economic impact of NCDs; the need for upstream multisectoral interventions to address the common, multifactoral risks; and the need for increased global attention to NCDs. Implementation of the NCD Summit Declaration mandates was most effective in larger countries with greater capacity, but countries of all sizes performed well, when they had regional or global support. Progress was limited in regional approaches to food security, labeling, and elimination of trans fats. Inadequate funding stymied several resource-dependent interventions. Monitoring mechanisms were established, but more concrete goals are needed, especially for ...

Background: Community-based approaches have been identified as an effective strategy to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide. However, little is known about community as a concept among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged settings and stakeholders' interactions and engagement in NCDs prevention and management. Objective: The aim of this study was to understand; (1) the meaning of community among people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged suburbs in Region Stockholm and (2) how communities interact and engage with stakeholders at local and regional levels for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in three municipalities in Region Stockholm with a high proportion of migrants. Multiple data collection methods were used, including observations of community activities; interviews with community members, representatives of public authorities and NGOs; and group interviews with healthcare providers. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Community was perceived as living in close proximity with shared beliefs, values and resources. Although they recognized its social and cultural diversity, community members focused more on the commonalities of living in their neighborhood and less on their differences in country of birth and languages spoken. Several mismatches between awareness of community needs and the available skills and resources among stakeholders for T2D prevention were identified. Stakeholders expressed awareness of T2D risk and interest in addressing it in a culturally appropriate manner. Conclusion: Interaction between the communities and stakeholders was limited, as was engagement in T2D prevention and management. This highlights barriers in the collaboration between community, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders which consequently affect the implementation of preventive interventions. Innovative ways to link the community to the healthcare sector and other local government institutions are needed to build the capacity of health systems for T2D prevention in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

Trinidad and Tobago has the third highest diabetes deaths, the highest rates of kidney failure in the world and is listed as one of the top countries where citizens have a fear of crime. There is a large body of research that has proven that there is an association between physical activity, fear of crime, health outcomes and built environment. However, most scientific research around urban design, physical activity, planning and transportation have been conducted in developed countries. There have been few studies in developing countries, particularly Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, which are facing both high crime and chronic disease. To evaluate the literature on physical activity, chronic disease and the built environment, we conducted a review of the literature through a systematic search and also analysed research gaps and implications. Future studies should develop a multidisciplinary research on physical activity, fear of crime, transportation and the interactive effects of the built environment that can help improve chronic disease health outcomes. Future studies should also better understand the social and environmental influences of barriers to physical activity in Trinidad and Tobago.

Background: The Caribbean region, with a population of around 17 million, has the highest burden of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the region of the Americas. It is estimated that diabetes and hypertension has an economic impact of around 5%-8% of the gross domestic product of the region. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how global health diplomacy contributed to the evolution of a collective Caribbean regional summit declaration to address the epidemic of NCDs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, and all the major databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, Global Health database and other available policy documents from various sources were screened. All articles available from 1910-2018 were extracted. From the total of 3223 titles, after filtering, the search narrowed down to 28 full texts that are included in this study. Policy documents and articles related to NCDs, global health diplomacy, and the Port o...

The United Nations High Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (September 19–20, 2011) provided an opportunity to recast the current global health agenda and offered a formidable platform to mobilize political will for concerted action. We argue that the opportunity was missed because the World Health Organization (WHO) neglected the politics of process that are key to mobilizing political support for global noncommunicable disease policies. Instead, it focused on the implementation process. The lessons to be drawn from the summit are critical because the WHO is the key agency that will be expected in the near future to steer further discussions and debate on the noncommunicable disease agenda.

Community health promotion interventions, targeted at marginalised populations and focusing on addressing the social determinants of health (SDH) to reduce health inequalities and addressing the processes of exclusion, are an important strategy to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promote the health of underprivileged and under-resourced groups. This article builds on key lessons learnt from a learning exchange between Communities for Health in England and the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health across the US (REACH US) communities that are tackling health inequities. It presents a qualitative analysis further capturing information about specific community interventions involved in the exchange and identifying lessons learnt. This exchange was led by a partnership between the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the International Union for Health Promotion and Education, the Department of Health of England, Health Action Partnership Inte...

A personal reflection on why it is necessary for the Pentecostals in Fiji to rise and address the sin of gluttony. While we evangelize and judge non- pentecostals due to their abuse of Yaqona drinking and drunkenness, we need to evalute ourselves and not fall into the trap of the evil one. Gluttony or overindulgence is a less emphasized sin compared to drunkenness, but it needs to be emphasized in our churches and conferences,

2011 was undoubtedly a landmark year for diabetes and global health more broadly. The UN High-Level Summit on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), held on the 19th-20th September 2011 in New York, changed the global health and development landscape forever. Diabetes and NCDs finally reached prominence when 193 UN Member States adopted the Political Declaration on NCDs and agreed to a set of commitments that has the potential to accelerate coordinated global progress that has been lacking for so long. As one of the earliest voices to call for the Summit and an instrumental player during preparations, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is proud to have been at the heart of this sea change. After this major achievement, IDF kept up the momentum by coordinating the annual global celebration of World Diabetes Day on the 14th November. Monuments around the world were lit up in blue in 84 countries and events were held in 170 countries. Flash mobs were held in railway stations, walks and bike rides were held, educational rallies and exhibitions were staged, and we saw the social media channels set alight by our diabetes community. Through the activities of IDF member associations and the broader diabetes diaspora, we reach millions of people-from policymakers to the man on the street-with messages of outrage and the desire for action. Just weeks after the UN Summit, IDF and the global diabetes community ended 2011 on a high with the World Diabetes Congress, in Dubai from the 4th to 8th December. The Congress provided an ideal forum for the global diabetes community to share best practice and develop next steps in the diabetes response. Around 14,000 international delegates attended and heard over 1,000 leading diabetes experts cover key issues in epidemiology, health systems, education, life with diabetes and global challenges in health. Now, in the aftermath of an exciting and inspiring year, IDF is looking to the next stage of our journey for diabetes. We

Half of the estimated annual 28 million non-communicable diseases (NCDs) deaths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are attributed to weak health systems. Current health policy responses to NCDs are fragmented and vertical particularly in the African region. The World Health Organization (WHO) led NCDs Global action plan 2013-2020 has been recommended for reducing the NCD burden but it is unclear whether Africa is on track in its implementation. This paper synthesizes Africa&#39;s progress towards WHO policy recommendations for reducing the NCD burden. Data from the WHO 2011, 2014 and 2015 NCD reports were used for this analysis. We synthesized results by targets descriptions in the three reports and included indicators for which we could trace progress in at least two of the three reports. More than half of the African countries did not achieve the set targets for 2015 and slow progress had been made towards the 2016 targets as of December 2013. Some gains were made in impl...

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of death and more than 40% of NCD deaths are premature occurring before the age of 70 years. In 2012, World Health Assembly declared its commitment to reduce premature NCD mortality by 25% from 2010 to 2025. The trend of premature NCD deaths in Sri Lanka has not been assessed and thus this study was done to assess it between 2001 to 2010. Deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes were studied. Premature NCD mortality was assessed using unconditional probability of dying (UPoD) due to NCDs among those aged 30 to 70 years. Number of relevant premature NCD deaths that occurred in each 5-year age interval and the respective mid-year population was used to calculate UPoD. During the period of 2001 to 2010, premature NCD mortality in Sri Lanka increased from 15·8% to 19·1% and males showed higher mortality compared to females throughout the period. Highest mortality was due to c...

The primary goals of lifestyle changes is to prevent and to substantially reduce the burden of CVD. A second aim is to reduce the risk of CVD in people who are at higher risk of Type 2 DM. The highest priority in prevention and reduction of CVD is addressing to common lifestyle RF for noncommunicable disease: nutritional factors, physical inactivity, tobacco use, higher level of alcohol consumption and a chronically stressful life and anxiety.

South Africa bears an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The objective of this study was to identify which population-level interventions, implemented at the level of governmental or political jurisdictions only, targeting risk factors of diabetes and hypertension were included in policies in South Africa. We also looked at whether these have been implemented or not. A review of relevant reports, journal articles, and policy documents was conducted. Documentation from government reports that contains information regarding the planning, implementation and evaluation of population-level interventions targeting diabetes and hypertension were considered, and various databases were searched. The identified population-level interventions were categorized as supportive policies, supportive programs and enabling environments according to the major risk factors of NCDs i.e., tobacco use, harmful consumption of al...

A district hospital in a rural area of the Limpopo Province in South Africa has recently been launched as a ‘Health Promoting Hospital’, based on the principles of the Ottawa Charter and according to standards developed by WHO-Europe. The initiative was conceived as a project in partnership with stakeholders from the local community and is considered a pilot by Provincial health authorities, representing an advance in health promotion practice in the region. The project was designed as a research intervention, guided by the principles of critical action research integrated with the Precede-Proceed model for the systematic evaluation of health promotion and education. This commentary reports on the process undertaken in successfully transforming this community-based hospital into a Health Promoting Hospital by integrating the concept, values and standards of health promotion into its structure and culture, thereby creating a healthy setting and promoting the health and wellbeing of t...

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, and posing significant challenges both in developed and developing countries including Bangladesh. In 2016, of the total 56.9 million global deaths, 71.0%, were due to NCDs. Some 85.0% of premature deaths from NCDs, are in low and middle income countries, where greater burden of undernutrition and infectious diseases exist.1-3 Evidence suggests a higher age specific mortality for NCDs among Bangladeshi population compared to Western populations, which putting burden on healthcare systems. 4 Bangladesh NCD Risk Factors Survey, 2018 showed that among the adult population, the mean salt intake was 16.5 gram per day and the prevalence of dislipidaemia was 28.4 %.5 Sugar consumption also continues to rise, driven by increased intake of beverages, biscuits, sweets and confectionary items. Industrially produced transfat in some food items is also an important issue in the country. Malnutrition is a key risk f...

Objective. To assess how well Caribbean regional institutions (RIs) met their commitments from the 2007 Port-of-Spain Summit (POSS) declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and evaluate the POSS impact on the United Nations High-level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs in 2011 (2011 HLM), HLM NCD review in 2014 (2014 HLM), World Health Organization’s 2025 NCD targets (2025 WHO), and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed upon in 2015. Methods. This study uses a method developed by the University of Toronto’s Global Governance Program to measure institutions’ compliance with commitments from a summit and the match with commitments from earlier summits. This approach was supplemented using data from published literature, primary documents, and semistructured key informant interviews to detail how and why Caribbean RIs met the 2007 POSS commitments, how the 2007 POSS commitments led to compliance, and how the 2007 POSS influenced international NCD commitments. Results. Caribbean RI...

In September 2011, the United Nations set a new international agenda for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with the Political Declaration of the UN High-level Meeting (UNHLM) on NCDs, acknowledging that NCDs and their risk factors pose a serious threat to public health and economic and social development. WHO, upon the call from the Declaration, has developed global targets and a comprehensive global monitoring framework to monitor trends and assess progress on NCD prevention and control. WHO regional offices have consider the implications of the targets and monitoring framework for their own regions, taking into account their specific situations and diversity, as well as their existing commitments and progress to date on NCDs.

Background: This study conducted to assess the cost effectiveness of common interventions used to control Noncommunicable diseases in south Darfur. Noncommunicable diseases are becoming an increasing public health concern due to their economic significance, and their great impact on the ability of affected individuals to contribute to their communities, and the high burden it represents on the health system. Objectives: To evaluate the role of health insurance fund in controlling Noncommunicable diseases. To assess cost effectiveness of the management of Noncommunicable disease within the National Health insurance fund system. Methods: This study is designed to use secondary data from the national health insurance fund in south Darfur, comparing the cost for the management of 3 selected Noncommunicable diseases (Hypertension, Heart disease, and Diabetes). I have reviewed the entire data of the year 2017 and compared the cost effectiveness of the currently used interventions against ...

Physical inactivity is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), urbanisation and sedentary living are rapidly growing in tandem. Increasing active living requires the participation of multiple sectors, yet it is unclear whether physical activity (PA)-relevant sectors in LMICs are prioritising PA. We investigated to what extent sectors that influence PA explicitly integrate it in their policies in an LMIC such as Cameroon. We systematically identified policy documents relevant to PA and NCD prevention in Cameroon; and using the Walt and Gilson policy triangle we described, analysed, and interpreted the policy contexts, contents, processes, and actors. We found 17 PA and NCD policy documents spanning from 1974 to 2019 across seven ministries. Thirteen (13/17) policies targeted infrastructure improvement, and four (4/17) targeted communication for behaviour change, all aiming to enhance leisure domain PA. Only the health sector expl...

s providing particular insights into the topic area were presented orally by the authors in each of the workshops. Workshop leaders were encouraged to conclude their workshops with a brief set of prioritized recommendations to identify the key directions for further development of interventional activities beyond this Congress. The objective of this session was to explore the individual and societal factors that influence cancer and NCD risk. The following four issues were selected for in-depth discussion in the workshops: ‰ Individual and provider-level interventions for reducing cancer risk. ‰ Community-based interventions for reducing cancer risk. ‰ Policy-based interventions for reducing cancer risk. ‰ Regional interventions for reducing cancer risk. Plenary presentations 1. Cancer and NCD prevention from a global perspective Graham A Colditz, Washington University in St Louis, USA The burden of cancer is predominantly experienced in lowand middle-income countries (9). Changing ...

There has been a growing increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally with reports suggesting that the fastest increase in NCD deaths in the world will occur in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the next 5 to 15 years. Despite the projected increase in NCD-related deaths, there is little coordinated research in many West African nations, including Ghana, to quantify and study this burden and to translate the research findings into policy and practice. To address these challenges, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Navrongo Health Research Centre, both in Ghana, with support from the Wits NCD Research Leadership Training Program organized a two-day symposium to discuss the advancement of NCD research in the West African sub-region. The aim was to propose the way forward for strengthening applied research that can inform the development of health policies and programs focused on NCDs. Participants were drawn from academia, research and h...

Background: Global efforts to address NCDs focus primarily on 4-by-4 interventions-interventions to prevent and treat four groups of conditions affecting mainly older adults (some cardiovascular disease and cancers, type 2 diabetes, chronic respiratory disease) and four associated risk factors (alcohol, tobacco, poor diets, and physical inactivity). However, the NCD burden in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is composed of a more diverse set of conditions, driven by a more complex group of risks, and impacting all segments of the population. Objective: To document the NCD priorities identified by NCD strategic plans, to characterize the proposed policy response, and to assess the alignment between the two. Methods: Using a two-part conceptual framework, we undertook a descriptive study to characterize the framing and overall policy response of strategic plans from 24 low-and lower-middle-income countries across SSA. Results: The national situation assessments that ground strategic plans emphasize a diversity of conditions that range in terms of severity and frequency. These assessments also highlight a wide diversity of factors that shape this burden. Most include discussions of a broad range of behavioral, structural, genetic, and infectious risk factors. Plans endorse a more narrow response to this diverse burden, with a focus on primary and secondary prevention that is generally convergent with the objectives established in global policy documents. Conclusions: Broadly, we observe that plans developed by countries in SSA recognize the heterogeneity of the NCD burden in this region. However, they emphasize interventions that are consistent with global strategies focused on preventing a narrower set of cardiometabolic risk factors and their associated diseases. In comparison, relatively few countries detail plans to prevent, treat, and palliate the full scope of the needs they identify. There is a need for increased support for bottom-up planning efforts to address local priorities.

The Central African Republic contains 242,000 square miles, which rolling terrain almost 2000 feet above sea level. The climate is tropical, and it has a population of 2.8 million people with a 2.5% growth rate. There are more than 80 ethnic groups including Baya 34%, Banda 28%, Sara 10%, Mandja 9%, Mboum 9%, and M&#39;Baka 7%. The religions are traditional African 35%, protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, and Muslim 15%, and the languages are French and Sangho. The infant mortality rate is 143/1000, with expectancy at 49 years and a 40% literacy rate. The work force of 1 million is 70% agricultural, industry 6% and commerce and service 6% and government 3%. The government consists of a president assisted by cabinet ministers and a single party. Natural resources include diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, and oil, and major industries are beverages, textiles, and soap. Agricultural products feature coffee, cotton, peanuts, tobacco, food crops and livestock. Most of the population live ...