National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases 2018 - 2022.

This National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases 2018 - 2022 is a nationwide sectoral document that updates the previous Strategy developed in 2013 in line with global developments and to achieve national requirements. The Strategy aims at reducing morbidity and premature mortality due to avoidable chronic non-communicable diseases in order to achieve the highest attainable level of health and productivity for all ages to promote economic and social development. The ultimate goal is to implement the Vision of a society free from the burden of avoidable non-communicable diseases in which healthy lifestyles are promoted and all members of the community have access to high quality care. This can be achieved by (i) promotion of the health of individuals and society; (ii) prevention and control of risk factors that cause non-communicable diseases; and (iii) provision of a package of integrated and equitable health care services of quality to the community through effective multi-level and multi-sectoral partnership to improve the quality of life and extend life expectancy. The main behavioral and biological risk factors individuated for these diseases are (in) tobacco use; (ii) unhealthy diet; (iii) lack of physical activity; (iv) overweight and obesity. Priority areas for consideration are (i) reducing the economic burden of non-communicable diseases; (ii) strengthening the health system; (iii) human rights care; (iv) justice based approach; (v) universal health coverage.
The Action Plan includes the following 6 objectives adopted in the Global strategy for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, with adaptation according to national needs (1) raising the priorities set for non-communicable diseases in development plans at the national level and making the prevention and control of these diseases a part of the policies of all government sectors; (2) strengthening national capacities, leadership, and governance to prevent and control non-communicable diseases; (3) reducing key modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and social determinants; (4) strengthening the health system and directing it to prevent and control non-communicable diseases through universal health coverage; (5) supporting national capacities for high-quality research and development on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases; (6) monitoring non-communicable diseases and assessing progress in prevention and control.
Regarding nutrition-related factors affecting the spread of non-communicable diseases, the document suggests the following interventions (i) establish a mechanism to determine the marketing of food products with high levels of saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, monosaccharides and salt to children, also in schools; (ii) activate national policies that support the practice of physical activity; (iii) issue laws, regulations, and instructions related to diet related to non-communicable diseases; (iv) update of national guidelines on nutrition and national guidelines on physical activity; (v) strengthen the skills of staff in primary health care centers to provide advice on diet and physical activity; (vi) implement a national campaign to promote physical activity and healthy food for all ages.