National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy and Strategic Plan.

This National Non-Communicable Diseases Policy and Strategic Plan is a nationwide sectoral document aiming at (i) establishing the necessary policy environment through which stakeholders can align commitment towards undertaking National NCD activities and interventions that empower the population to adopt sustained healthy behaviors and healthy lifestyles; (ii) defining the contributions of NCD interventions to the overall achievement of National Health Policy and Plan, and thus contributing to the attainment of the SDGs for health. Furthermore, it articulates the condition and support necessary to ensure that every person in every community has equitable and affordable access to NCDs information. It creates opportunities for inter-sectoral action for health and development; and empowers communities for health actions. The Policy builds on the broad aims and orientations of the National Health and Social Welfare Policy and Plan 2011-2021 and the Investment Health Plan 2015-2021. The overarching goal of the Policy is the reduction of NCD morbidity, mortality and disability through preventive and control services that are of high quality, effective and affordable in order to achieve the Vision of a healthy population with social protection for all. Its guiding principles are a) broad based partnership and multi-sectoral approach; b) equity-based approach; c) accountability and sustainability; d) decentralization and accessibility; and e) efficiency. It stresses collaboration at national, county and community levels involving donors NGOs, Governmental agencies, private institutions and communities for the prevention and control of NCDs.
The strategic objectives of the Policy include (i) strengthen service delivery systems for the prevention, control and management of NCDs; (ii) build the capacity of service providers at all levels of care (primary, secondary, tertiary) on NCDs prevention, control and management; (iii) increase access to essential drugs, medical and diagnostic supplies for NCDs that will be of quality, efficient, and affordable; (iv) strengthen the data management of all NCDs to inform policy makers for decision making; (v) create an environment that strengthens coordination, collaboration, and partnership among stakeholders; (vi) mobilize adequate funding for the implementation of NCD activities at all levels of the health system.
Regarding food-related recommendations, the document suggests (i) initiate setting of appropriate standards for vegetables, fruits and other foods imported; (ii) promote healthy eating and balance diet; (iii) strengthen regulations, monitoring, supervision and enforcement of importation and prohibition of the sale of unhealthy food, drugs and other substance; (iv) enforce food labeling on all foods being sold to the public; (v) develop regulations for marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children.