Capacity to Control Noncommunicable Diseases in the Countries of South-East Asia

Objective: To assess the status of national capacity for prevention the and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Member States of the South-East Asia (SEA) Region of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Methods: A survey was conducted in 2006-2007 in all 11 Member States of the SEA Region of WHO using a regional adaptation of the global WHO questionnaire. Information was collected on the existence of national legislation, policies, strategies, and programmes, implementation status of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, and the availability of services and financial resources for the prevention and control of NCDs. The results of this survey were compared with those of a similar survey conducted in the region in 2001.

Results: The comparison of two surveys showed progress made in the Region between 2001 and 2006 in strengthening commitment and capacity to prevent and control NCDs. Major gaps remain in the creation of appropriate legislative and regulatory environment, policy formulation for the promotion of healthy nutrition and physical activity, and generation of guidelines for the management of NCDs and their risk factors.

Conclusion: Member States of the SEA Region need to enhance the capacity to address critical gaps in their national polices and programmes for the prevention and control of NCDs. This requires technical support of WHO and other developmental partners.