Eleven Strategic Policies for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) in Nepal

Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2014-2020) by Government of Nepal has highlighted eleven strategic policies for prevention and control of NCDs. They are briefly described in the following way:

    1. High political commitment: 

Non-communicable Disease (NCD) multisectoral action plan will be connected to the head of state/his representative Chief Secretary Government of Nepal (GoN) to have high level of political commitment in line with country international commitment.

    2. Multisectoral response: 

Functional mechanism will be set for multisectoral partnerships and effective coordination in order to accelerate and scale up national response to NCD epidemic. Effective leadership, political commitment, and resources will be sustained for implementation of NCD action plan.

    3. Tobacco: 

Enforcement of and compliance to Tobacco product (control and regulatory) Act, 2011 will be strengthened and public awareness to hazards of tobacco use will be improved.

    4. Alcohol: 

Commercial and public availability of alcohol will be reduced and social mobilizing programs will be implemented to reduce harmful use of alcohol

    5. Unhealthy diet: 

Increased Consumption of fruits and vegetables will be encouraged with a reduction in consumption of salt, saturated fat and trans-fat.

    6. Physical inactivity: 

Improving built environment and promoting health beneficial physical activity through supportive policies in key settings

    7. Indoor air pollution: 

Communities and areas with poor indoor air quality as a result of the use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating will be taken care of and will be supported with alternative means of energy to reduce adverse health impacts.

    8. Essential NCDs (CVDs, COPDs, diabetes, and cancer): 

Health system competence will be strengthened, particularly the primary health care system to address common essential NCDs particularly CVDs, COPDs, diabetes, and cancer, along with the additional NCDs, and communities and individuals will be empowered for self-care.

    9. Oral health: 

Accessibility of essential oral health services will be enhanced through community-oriented oral health, focusing on preventable oral diseases and oral care.

    10. Mental health: 

Basic minimum care of mental health services at the community, competency for case identification and initiating referral at primary care level will be enhanced.

    11. Surveillance, research, monitoring, and evaluation:

Systematic data collection on NCDs and their risk factors’ situation will be strengthened. The information will be used for evidence-based policy and program development. Programs will be implemented for prevention and control of NCDs.