Non‐Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in developing countries: a symposium report

Abstract

In recent years, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have globally shown increasing impact on health status in populations with disproportionately higher rates in developing countries. NCDs are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and a serious public health threat to developing countries. Recognizing the importance and urgency of the issue, a one-day symposium was organized on NCDs in Developing Countries by the CIHLMU Center for International Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich on 22nd March 2014. The objective of the symposium was to understand the current situation of different NCDs public health programs and the current trends in NCDs research and policy, promote exchange of ideas, encourage scientific debate and foster networking, partnerships and opportunities among experts from different clinical, research, and policy fields. The symposium was attended by more than seventy participants representing scientists, physicians, academics and students from several institutes in Germany and abroad. Seven key note presentations were made at the symposium by experts from Germany, UK, France, Bangladesh and Vietnam. This paper highlights the presentations and discussions during the symposium on different aspects of NCDs in developing countries. The symposium elucidated the dynamics of NCDs in developing countries and invited the participants to learn about evidence-based practices and policies for prevention and management of major NCDs and to debate the way forward.

Age-group differences in risk perceptions of non-communicable diseases among adults in Diepsloot township, Johannesburg, South Africa: A cross-sectional study based on the Health Belief Model

“…[21] Consequently, the development of effective interventions for people at increased risk of NCDs is dependent upon understanding their beliefs concerning NCDs. NCD-related DALYs are expected to rise by 27% across regions of Africa compared with 17% globally by 2020, [22,23] with more than half occurring prematurely (in persons <70 years of age). [22,24] In SA, adherence to the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has not only extended survival and ageing among HIVinfected individuals, but also supplemented the upsurge in NCD comorbidities among people living with HIV.…”

“Can we walk?” Environmental supports for physical activity in India

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] India, an LMIC and the second most populous country in the world with over 1.25 billion people is experiencing a NCD epidemic. 7,8 Three NCDs-diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity-collectively exert a considerable burden on India's population.…”

Shining a Light on Task-Shifting Policy: Exploring opportunities for adaptability in non-communicable disease management programmes in Uganda

“…8 Numerous knowledge, social, economic, legislative, policy and implementation gaps have also affected the workforce shortage and this problem has been exacerbated by the emigration of trained professionals to Europe and the USA. [14][15][16] These issues have significantly affected the delivery of healthcare services in Uganda and highlight the need for the implementation and development of policies that consider both an efficient and effective use of existing human resources through planned resource allocation. 8,10,17,18 The WHO recommends task-shifting as a national strategy to combat the health human resource crisis and to aid in the implementation of national NCD management programmes.…”

“…25 Other factors affecting staff recruitment and retention include a lack of promotion opportunities, unequal remuneration of healthcare workers compared to other professionals, inadequate training/facilities, poor leadership, inadequate staff accommodation and staff fatalities due to HIV/AIDS, accidents and malaria. 14,16,26,27 Task-Shifting Policy Fulton et al define task-shifting as the delegation of tasks to an existing or new cadre of health workers with either less training or disease-/skill-specific training. 10 The WHO describes task-shifting as the process whereby specific tasks are transferred, in a structured manner, to health workers with less training and fewer qualifications than normally required to provide a certain service or perform a specific task.…”