Article
Tackling the non-communicable disease epidemic: a framework for policy action in low- and middle-income countries
Pan African Medical Journal
(2024)
Abstract
Health policy frameworks for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases have largely been developed for application in high-income countries. Limited attention has been given to the policy exigencies in lower- and middle-income countries where the impacts of these conditions have been most severe, and further clarification of the policy requirements for effective prevention is needed. This paper presents a policy approach to prevention that, although relevant to high-income countries, recognizes the peculiar situation of low-and middle-income countries. Rather than a narrow emphasis on the implementation of piecemeal interventions, this paper encourages policymakers to utilize a framework of four embedded policy levels, namely health services, risk factors, environmental, and global policies. For a better understanding of the non-communicable disease challenge from a policy standpoint, it is proposed that a policy framework that recognizes responsible health services, addresses key risk factors, tackles underlying health determinants, and implements global non-communicable disease conventions, offers the best leverage for prevention.
Keywords
- Health policy frameworks,
- non-communicable disease,
- prevention,
- control,
- lower-income countries,
- middle-income countries,
- high-income countries
Disciplines
Publication Date
Winter February 29, 2024
Citation Information
Mark Fordjour Owusu et al. Tackling the non-communicable disease epidemic: a framework for policy action in low- and middle-income countries. Pan African Medical Journal. 2024;47:82. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2024.47.82.41089