Control Of Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Epidemiological characteristics of fatal drowning and related factors in children in Zhejiang Province, 2022

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of fatal drowning in children in Zhejiang Province in 2022, analyze factors such as the swimming ability of children, the caregiver behavior at drowning site, types of first aid personnel and methods of first aid of unintentional fatal drowning and provide evidence for targeted intervention. Methods: Using the "Survey Form of Fatal Drowning Case in Children" designed by National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention of the China CDC, we collected case information of children aged 0-17 years who died due to drowning in Zhejiang in 2022 from medical history/death investigation records, telephone interviews, and home visits. Results: A total of 341 fatal drowning cases in children occurred in Zhejiang in 2022 and 330 cases were investigated (96.77%). The male to female of the cases was 2.33∶1, most cases were aged 15-17 years and 0-4 years, and 54.24% of fatal drowning cases occurred in children from other provinces. In the drowning cases, 83.33% were unintentional ones, and the proportion of intentional fatal drowning cases in children increased with age. Fatal drowning cases mainly occurred in open natural water bodies and public water storage facilities. More fatal drowning cases occurred in open natural water bodies in older children, while more fatal drowning cases occurred in public water storage facilities in younger children. In 275 children who died due to unintentional drowning, 73.09% could not swim, and only 1.09% were fully supervised by adults within an arm's length. First aid personnel, mainly medical staffs, bystanders and adult caregivers, were present for 47.63% fatal drowning cases. The proportion of the cases who had cardiopulmonary resuscitation as the first aid within 5 minutes was 2.18%. Conclusions: Drowning poses a serious threat to children's lives and there are differences in reasons and locations of fatal drowning in children in different age groups in Zhejiang Province in 2022. It is necessary to conduct to interventions to improve children's swimming skills, strengthen effective adult care and conduct health education about field first aid of drowning to reduce the incidence of drowning and related deaths in children.

Implementation of School Nutrition Policies to Address Noncommunicable Diseases in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 80% of mortality in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in 2019, and unhealthy dietary behaviors are a major risk factor for NCDs in both countries. In 2021, national stakeholders, in consultation with the World Health Organization, identified school nutrition policies (SNPs) as a major approach to reducing the burden of NCDs in both countries. The SNPs included interventions implemented through a multistakeholder and multisectoral arrangement that aimed to improve the health and nutrition status of children and young people by providing healthy food/beverages and restricting unhealthy foods or beverages in schools. We used a multimethod approach of document review, participatory workshops, and key informant interviews to generate theories of change for the large-scale implementation of SNPs and describe the implementation processes to date, including key implementation and health system challenges, salient implementation strategies, and implementation outcomes in both countries. Multiple pathways for enacting and implementing SNPs successfully were identified. However, significant health system challenges, such as the lack of accountability for contracting and tender processes and coordination among different sectors, continue to hamper the large-scale implementation of these policies in both countries. The pathways, theories, and implementation outcomes identified will facilitate the development of implementation strategies and systematic learning and evaluation around SNPs for NCD prevention and control programs in the Central Asian region and other low- and middle-income countries more broadly.

Insights into the Role of Vitamin D in the Prevention and Control of Cancer and Other Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases: Shedding Further Light on a Captivating Subject

Vitamin D is a hormone that humans can synthesize upon sun exposure or through a balanced and healthy diet, including vitamin D-rich foods or supplements [...]

District-level Epidemiology and Sociodemographic Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)- Results the National Family Health Survey -5 (2019-21).

BackgroundNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of adult mortality in India. However, the data regarding the prevalence of NCD risk factors at district level is scarce. This study aims to analyse and map NCD risk factors at the state and district levels, exploring sociodemographic influences on these risks in Indian males and females. MethodsWe analysed National Family Health Survey-5 database and used the prevalence estimates to create choropleth maps, enabling us to examine the geographical variations in NCD risk factors at the district level in India. ResultsDistricts in the Satluj-Yamuna plains, western Rajasthan, and the northeastern regions exhibited clusters with a prevalence of high blood pressure exceeding 30.1%. Northeastern districts showed over 40% prevalence of current tobacco use, while high alcohol consumption clusters were observed in the northeastern and Telangana districts. Southern districts showed clusters of both obesity (as measured by BMI) and highest rates of oral, breast, and cervical cancer screening, moreover districts in Tamil Nadu exhibited notable clusters of raised blood glucose prevalence. ConclusionOur analysis revealed variations in the prevalence of NCD risk factors at both the state and district levels. Accordingly, this study ranks districts based on the NCD burden, offering valuable insights to state and district teams to devise targeted measures for the prevention and control of NCDs, particularly in the most heavily affected districts.

Knowledge of gendered needs among the planners and policy makers for prevention of NCDs in Bangladesh: a qualitative exploration

BackgroundGlobally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly the primary cause of mortality and morbidity among women. Like many developing countries, Bangladesh also faces a growing burden of NCDs. The “Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases, 2018–2025” signifies Bangladesh’s commitment to comprehensively combating the rising burden of NCDs. This study investigates the perceptions of those involved in developing the action plan and if/how a gender lens was incorporated into its implementation.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 25 key individuals involved in a high-level committee to develop and implement Bangladesh’s multisectoral action plan to address the burden of NCDs. Data were collected between July and November 2021, and thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsThe findings revealed that interviewees believed the multisectoral action plan adopted a population-wide approach without considering gender-specific needs. This study presents the explanations for this inattention under five themes: (1) A population-level approach to NCD prevention; (2) Understanding women’s health beyond reproductive health; (3) Absence of gender-specific programs; (4) Lack of consideration of gender constraints on physical activity; and (5) Lack of collaborative efforts to address NCDs beyond the health ministry.ConclusionIn conclusion, governments in countries like Bangladesh can develop more effective strategies to reduce the disease burden of NCDs among women by recognizing and addressing the gendered nature of preventive health. This can be achieved by promoting gender-responsive research, programs, and policy initiatives that consider women’s specific health concerns, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.

Blue paper on Alzheimer's disease in China(Simplified Version)

With the population aging, the prevalence and mortality rate of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been rising in China. AD has become one of the biggest threats to population health and social sustainable development. In order to support the Healthy China Initiative and promote health in China, the Blue Paper on Alzheimer's Disease in China was compiled by experts from the National Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University; the National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; the National Health Commission Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center; and the China Population and Development Research Center. The epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of AD and related cognitive disorders in China were reviewed in this blue paper. This work aimed to provide references for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and related policy formulation of AD in China. Specifically, the blue paper covered the following topics of AD and related cognitive disorders: (1)epidemiology characteristics; (2)economic burden; (3)impact factors; (4)China Brain Cognitive Health Index; (5)the diagnosis of AD and related cognitive disorders; (6)the treatment of AD and related cognitive disorders; (7)national center for cognitive disorders;(8)community prevention and control; (9)patient care; (10)public health resources for prevention and control.

Indian Thyroid society expert consensus on salt Iodisation

ABSTRACT Iodine, an essential micronutrient, is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4). Thyroid hormones regulate the optimum mental development, physical growth and development, regulation of body metabolism, heat generation, and maintenance of body temperaturein an individual. Geological processes like flooding, soil erosion, deforestation, and rivers changing course, deplete the surface soil of iodine, as it is present in the top layers of soil and easily soluble in water. As a result, the population residing in the area with iodinedeficient soil, becomes susceptible to a spectrum of functional and developmental abnormalities due to dietary deficiency of iodine. Universal Salt Iodization (USI) for prevention of IDDs in India is a public health success story. The adoption of the salt iodization strategy serves as a textbook example of the journey of an intervention through the iterative loop of research to policy to programme. Salt iodization has proved to be a safe, accessible, available, affordable, and cost-effective strategy to address the burden of IDDs in India. India has been at the forefront of the efforts to control IDDs globally. India is on its way to achieving the target of > 90 percent household coverage of adequately iodized salt. Revised Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations released in 2019 introduced an upper limit for iodine concentration in salt, the adequate iodine level required at the production and consumer level, including the distribution channel at 15 – 30 ppm. Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) is India's public health success story. There is a need to consolidate progress so far and focus on strategy to reach the “last mile”. Sustainable elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) with Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) being the primary strategy needs to also factor in harmonisation with salt reduction strategy for control of non-communicable diseases.

A proposed dietary policy package for the health sector in Iran

BackgroundInsufficient physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet are significant health risk factors globally. Dietary risk factors were responsible for approximately 16.5% of all deaths in Iran in 2019. This paper aimed to propose a dietary policy package for the health sector to reduce the risk of an unhealthy diet, which might effectively help prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Iran.MethodsIn this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured, face-to-face, and in-depth interviews with 30 purposefully selected experts, including policymakers, high-level managers, and relevant stakeholders, during 2018–2019 in Iran. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed, facilitated by MAXQDA 11 software.ResultsWe developed several dietary recommendations for different stakeholders. These include traffic light labeling reforms, i.e., the need to make the signs large and readable enough through utilizing advanced technology, cooperation with other sectors, promoting healthy symbols and supporting food products with them, food basket reforms, updating dietary standards, adopting appropriate mechanisms to report violations of harmful products laws, scaling up mechanisms to monitor restaurants and processed foods, and creating an environment for ranking restaurants and other relevant places to support a healthy diet, for instance through tax exemption, extra subsidies for healthy products, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) alliances, and using influential figures.ConclusionIran’s health sector has developed a practical roadmap for the prevention and control of NCDs through promoting healthy nutrition. In line with the sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.4 pathway to reduce premature mortality due to NCDs by 30% by 2030 in Iran, we advocate for the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) to adopt appropriate evidence-informed interventions for improving public health literacy and reducing consumption of unhealthy food.

Process evaluation of a complex, multilevel, multicomponent scheme for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Tamil Nadu, India: A mixed-methods protocol

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India, necessitating development of multilevel and multicomponent interventions. Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM) is a complex multilevel, multicomponent intervention developed and implemented by the south Indian State of Tamil Nadu. The scheme aims to deliver services for preventing and controlling diabetes, and hypertension at doorstep. This paper describes the protocol for planning and conducting the process evaluation of the MTM scheme. Methods and analysisThe process evaluation uses mixed methods (secondary data analysis, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, conceptual content analysis of documents, facility-based survey and non-participant observation) to evaluate the implementation of the MTM scheme. The broad evaluation questions addressed the fidelity, contexts, mechanisms of impact and challenges encountered by the scheme using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework. The specific evaluation questions addressed selected inputs and processes identified as critical to implementation by the stakeholders. The CFIR framework will guide the thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews to explore the adaptations and deviations introduced during implementation in various contexts. The quantitative data on the indicators developed for the specific evaluation questions will be cleaned and descriptively analysed.

Intersectional stigma and the non-communicable disease syndemic in the context of HIV: protocol for a multisite, observational study in the USA

IntroductionThe increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, presents key challenges to achieving optimal HIV care outcomes among ageing people living with HIV. These diseases are...

The role of community pharmacists and pharmacies in physical activity promotion: an interdisciplinary e-Delphi study.

Physical activity has a key role in the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. Community pharmacists are an accessible source to provide brief advice to people on how to be more physically active. Nonetheless, there is a limited understanding of stakeholders' perspectives on their role in promoting physical activity, to inform policy and practice. The present study addresses this gap. To determine consensus from different health professionals on the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in brief physical activity counselling in Portugal. This cross-sectional study used a two-round e-Delphi panel. The questionnaire was organised into four domains of physical activity promotion and comprised 37 items. Interdisciplinary experts rated their level of agreement using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was set at the outset as 75% or more of participants scoring 4 or 5 (consensus "in") or 1 or 2 (consensus "out"). Forty-two health professionals involved in promoting physical activity in the ambulatory setting in Portugal were selected through purposive quota sampling. Eighteen out of 37 items were consensual in the first round and five more achieved consensus after the second round (62.2%). Physical activity promotion was seen as the role of all healthcare workforce and pharmacies were considered as suitable spaces for service provision, regardless of remuneration. This study endorses a set of roles for physical activity promotion in community pharmacy from an interdisciplinary perspective. Consensually established perspectives can inform policy making and practice, streamlining the coordination of pharmacies with the national health service.

Building Capacity and Advancing Regulatory Measures to Improve Food Environments in the Region of the Americas.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the main cause of death globally (70%) and in the Region of the Americas (80%), and poor diets are a leading driver of NCDs. In response, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a set of evidence-based regulatory measures to help countries improve diets through the reduced consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods. This paper aims to describe the needs of and propose actions for key actors to advance these measures. A workshop was designed to assess member states' regulatory capacity. A thematic analysis was conducted to analyze regional needs, successes and challenges. Thereafter, the Government Capacity-Building Framework for the prevention and control of NCDs was used to examine findings. The findings were organized in two sets: (i) PAHO/WHO actions to support member states and (ii) key actors' actions to advance regulatory policies. The results show notable regulatory progress across the Region of the Americas. However, progress differs between countries, with opportunities to strengthen measures in most countries, mainly in conflict of interest management. The results identified important actions to strengthen the regulatory capacity of PAHO/WHO member states. To maximize momentum for these actions, timelines must be identified, and political commitment can be boosted by applying human rights-based and food system-wide approaches.

Promotion and control of chronic non-communicable diseases in older adults: A Bibliographical Review

Promotion and control of chronic non-communicable diseases in older adults: A Bibliographical Review

Gender and non-communicable diseases in Mexico: a political mapping and stakeholder analysis

BackgroundMexico and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with gender-differentiated risk factors and access to prevention, diagnosis and care. However, the political agenda in LMICs as it relates to health and gender is primarily focused on sexual and reproductive health rights and preventing violence against women. This research article analyses public policies related to gender and NCDs, identifying political challenges in the current response to women’s health needs, and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care in Mexico.MethodsWe carried out a political mapping and stakeholder analysis during July–October of 2022, based on structured desk research and interviews with eighteen key stakeholders related to healthcare, gender and NCDs in Mexico. We used the PolicyMaker V5 software to identify obstacles and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care, from the perspective of the political stakeholders interviewed.ResultsWe found as a political obstacle that policies and stakeholders addressing NCDs do not take a gender perspective, while policies and stakeholders addressing gender equality do not adequately consider NCDs. The gendered social and economic aspects of the NCD burden are not widely understood, and the multi-sectoral approach needed to address these aspects is lacking. Economic obstacles show that budget cuts exacerbated by the pandemic are a significant obstacle to social protection mechanisms to support those caring for people living with NCDs.ConclusionsMoving towards an effective, equity-promoting health and social protection system requires the government to adopt an intersectoral, gender-based approach to the prevention and control of NCDs and the burden of NCD care. Despite significant resource constraints, policy innovation may be possible given the willingness among some stakeholders to collaborate, particularly in the labour and legal sectors. However, care will be needed to ensure the implementation of new policies has a positive impact on both gender equity and health outcomes. Research on successful approaches in other contexts can help to identify relevant learnings for Mexico.

The reported impact of non-communicable disease investment cases in 13 countries

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading health and development challenge worldwide. Since 2015, WHO and the United Nations Development Programme have provided support to governments to develop national NCD investment...

IJCM_172A: Risk Scoring of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coverage of Screening Services through Primary Health Care System among Adults in a Block of Murshidabad District, West Bengal

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health challenge. Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), a simple and cost-effective tool consisting of two modifiable (waist circumference, physical activity) and two non-modifiable risk factors (age, parental history) for diabetes, can be easily applied in mass screening programmes. Opportunistic screening for diabetes among individuals aged = 30 years is being done under the programme for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. Objective: To assess the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus using IDRS, coverage of screening services for diabetes through the primary health care delivery system and to identify their correlates. Methodology: : A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal during September to November 2023 among permanent residents aged = 30 years on a calculated sample of 300 selected through multi-stage sampling. Required data were collected by interviewing the study subjects using pre-designed, pre-tested schedule including IDRS, reviewing medical records and measuring waist circumference. Analysis was done using SPSS-20. Results: Among 300 participants, 40.7% had high risk; 54% and 5.3% had moderate and low risk of diabetes respectively according to IDRS. In multivariable analysis, age =35 years (AOR 18.10, 95% CI 5.07-64.66), female gender (AOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.40-4.00) and being in joint family (AOR 3.53, 95% CI 1.77-7.04) were significant correlates for high-risk category according to IDRS. Only 67% were screened for diabetes within last six months, of which 89% were through primary health care delivery system. Screening status varied significantly by age group (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.98-7.35) and IDRS risk categories (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.06-2.80). Conclusion: Alarmingly substantial proportion of people in the area are at high/moderate risk of diabetes coupled with low opportunistic screening coverage, which highlights the need for intensive behaviour change communication and stronger service delivery.

IJCM_134A: Community Engagement Strategies for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases in Primary Healthcare Settings: A review of evidences from Low- and Middle-income countries

Background: Community engagement is considered as one of the pillars in successful implementation program for prevention and control of Non- Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Objective: To gather evidence from the available literature concerning effective strategies for enhancing community engagement in primary healthcare for NCD prevention, which are appropriate for resource constraint settings in low- and middle-income countries. Methodology: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA- ScR) guidelines. Original articles and reports published from January 2000 to September 2023, in English language; with the following designs- Randomized controlled trials with single or multiple arms, quasi- experimental studies, public health practices and qualitative studies, available online were included in this review. Digital databases like PubMed and Google scholar were searched to find out articles, using a pre-designed peer- reviewed search strategy by combining established search terms and free text terms. Further, hand search was made by going through the references of the retrieved articles. All publications were independently evaluated by two reviewers. Information extracted from the published articles were recorded using a pre-designed data extraction sheet in Microsoft excel. Results: Key interventions emerged from the review included group-based peer support program; family level intervention; setting based approach (Health Promoting school /institution /market /hospital); advocacy, network and counselling among People Living with NCDs etc. Evidence also suggested use of appropriate technology such as CPHC-NCD Software, generation of Ayushman Bharat-Health Account IDs (ABHA IDs) through National NCD Portal, maintenance of NCD data record and register in digital formats on National NCD Portal and spreading community dialog using mass media, digital media and social media. Conclusion: The findings of this study will guide the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions for prevention of NCDs using primary healthcare platform suitable for resource limited settings.

A Study on Communication Practices in Reducing Non-Communicable Diseases in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose special challenges in developing countries In Ethiopia, the growing NCD burden has raised a public health concern with significant social, economic, and developmental effects. Thus, the study sought to examine health communication practices in addressing the NCDs in Bahir Dar City of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. A qualitative case study was conducted from January to April 2023. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations to gather data from health extension workers, NCD experts, and NCD focal persons about their experiences and perspectives regarding NCD prevention and control. The participants were purposively selected, and a thematic analysis technique was employed to analyze the data. The study found that several health communication strategies, such as health promotion, training and creating model households, screening, referrals, follow-ups, rehabilitation services, and activities reporting were employed. Nevertheless, there was a lack of consistent, reliable, and long-lasting and professional health communication regarding NCD prevention and management. Some of the challenges contributing to such deficient practices were overloading HEWs with various tasks, allocating many households to a single HEW, shortage of screening tools, shortage of financial and human resources, weak interdisciplinary collaboration, COVID-19, and recurrent conflicts in the city and the region. Above all, lack of health communication skills affected the health interventions. Concerning communication methods, one-to-one communication was frequently employed, while mass media and social media were rare. Generally, NCD communication, in particular, and health communication, in general, did not receive priority as other health-related activities in the city. The study found that there were poor health communication practices in preventing and controlling NCDs. Thus, professional practice of health communication about NCDs must be prioritized, and emphasis should be given to inter-sectoral collaborations. Prioritizing financial and human resources is also essential for effective NCD communication.

"Fit-India-Movement" Promoting Physical Activity: A Perspective for Clinicians and Epidemiologists

Objective: Whereas the Fit-India-Movement (FIM) is not a health program, per se, it attempts to meet the sustainable development goals of the World Health Organization for the control of non-communicable diseases by promoting health-related physical activity (PA) behavior in the Indian population under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. We aimed to find out how the government of India is operationalizing the PA guideline without a national PA plan. Methods: We reviewed the FIM website. Results: It contains the PA guidelines and recommendations for the Indian population. Conclusion: This article compiles our findings, revealing the paradigm for promoting PA in India. It describes what the FIM offers from a clinician’s perspective, utilizing resources at the individual level and an epidemiologist’s outlook for PA promotion.

Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases: Unveiling “Collateral Damage” and Pursuing Solutions at the Grassroots

Public health professionals are crucial in developing strategies to prevent and manage diseases while promoting overall population health. Despite some successes in controlling diseases like smallpox and polio, the 21st century has seen a shift in disease dynamics, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. These nations bear over three-quarters of global NCD-related deaths annually, posing a significant challenge to healthcare administrators. It's essential to view NCDs as unintended consequences of lifestyle decisions, allowing policymakers to reformulate policies accordingly. “collateral damage”, whether in military contexts or medicine, refers to unintended harm or negative consequences. Adverse effects like antibiotic resistance or antibiotic-associated diarrhoea illustrate this concept in healthcare. Furthermore, NCDs often result from factors outside the healthcare sector, such as poverty-driven dietary choices or inadequate urban planning, leading to sedentary lifestyles. Globalisation exacerbates NCDs by promoting unhealthy Western lifestyles, including the consumption of fast foods with inferior quality in low-income countries. Uncontrolled urbanisation further compounds the issue by fostering unhealthy behaviours. Aging populations also contribute, with elderly individuals adopting sedentary lifestyles that increase their risk of NCDs. Health promotion offers a proactive approach to address “collateral damage”, emphasising action through advocacy, policy formulation, and health education. Effective control of NCDs requires primary prevention measures like healthy diets and physical exercise, alongside public health legislation and collaborative efforts among various sectors. Preventing NCDs necessitates auditing decisions across industries to assess potential “collateral damage”s, involving the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MOHFW) in authorising new ventures like liquor shops or fast-food centres. While the battle against NCDs has yet to begin, concerted efforts are required to implement strategies and actions effectively and efficiently. This paper discusses innovative grassroots strategies and intersectoral collaborations that have shown promise in combating NCDs, aiming to inspire actionable solutions.