Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control in Mongolia: A Policy Analysis.

Oyun Chimeddamba,Catherine Joyce,Helen L Walls,Anna Peeters

doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2040-7

Abstract

BackgroundNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the major global cause of morbidity and mortality. In Mongolia, a number of health policies have been developed targeting the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. This paper aimed to evaluate the extent to which NCD-related policies introduced in Mongolia align with the World Health Organization (WHO) 2008–2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs.MethodsWe conducted a review of policy documents introduced by the Government of Mongolia from 2000 to 2013. A literature review, internet-based search, and expert consultation identified the policy documents. Information was extracted from the documents using a matrix, mapping each document against the six objectives of the WHO 2008–2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and five dimensions: data source, aim and objectives of document, coverage of conditions, coverage of risk factors and implementation plan. 45 NCD-related policies were identified.ResultsPrevention and control of the common NCDs and their major risk factors as described by WHO were widely addressed, and policies aligned well with the objectives of the WHO 2008–2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs. Many documents included explicit implementation or monitoring frameworks. It appears that each objective of the WHO 2008–2013 NCD Action Plan was well addressed. Specific areas less well and/or not addressed were chronic respiratory disease, physical activity guidelines and dietary standards.ConclusionsThe Mongolian Government response to the emerging burden of NCDs is a population-based public health approach that includes a national multisectoral framework and integration of NCD prevention and control policies into national health policies. Our findings suggest gaps in addressing chronic respiratory disease, physical activity guidelines, specific food policy actions restricting sales advertising of food products, and a lack of funding specifically supporting NCD research. The neglect of these areas may hamper addressing the NCD burden, and needs immediate action. Future research should explore the effectiveness of national NCD policies and the extent to which the policies are implemented in practice.

Highlights

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the major global cause of morbidity and mortality
Our findings suggest gaps in addressing chronic respiratory disease, physical activity guidelines, specific food policy actions restricting sales advertising of food products, and a lack of funding supporting NCD research
This analysis identified a substantial number of Mongolian Governmental policies dedicated to the prevention and control of NCDs, and there was considerable evidence available to suggest that those policies were well aligned with the six objectives of the Action Plan [7]

Summary

Introduction

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the major global cause of morbidity and mortality. Comprehensive, coherent and multi-sector national policies and strategies are required in order to tackle major risk factors leading to the development of and complications associated with NCDs [6, 3] This has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) 2008–2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (hereafter referred to as the Action Plan) [7], which supports urgent action to address the rapidly increasing burden of NCDs, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While this has increased awareness of the need for NCD policies, the extent to which it has led to improvements in policy development and implementation, in developing countries, remains unclear [8]

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Conclusion