Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are of increasing concern to societies and national governments in Asia as well as worldwide due to their high mortality rates.
The main risk factors for NCDs can be classified into the categories of self-management, genetic factors, environmental factors, medical conditions and socio-demographic factors. We suggest that the best prevention management strategy will include individual (lifestyle management), societal (awareness management), national (health policy decisions) and global (health strategy) elements with targeted actions such as multidisciplinary partnerships, knowledge management, information and innovation. The most effective prevention strategy is one that results in lifestyle changes in diet, physical activity, smoking cessation and management of metabolic disorders.
Asia Prevent promotes evidence-based health practice. Implement programmes that have been rigorously evaluated to be effective in preventing noncommunicable diseases in Asia.
As professionals, we strive to develop educational content that meaningfully impacts clinical practice and ultimately improves outcomes for patients.
Africa Prevent implements
approaches to reduce the burden of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Asia and supports the development of appropriate healthy lifestyle models.
Africa Prevent shares
excellence in research, practice, education and policy in primary and secondary prevention through our educational activities, our publications and our workshops.
Africa Prevent is conducting
events on individual nosologies or treatment areas for chronic non-communicable diseases. The events are led by the best regional and international experts: chief specialists, directors of national medical research centers, renowned lecturers and opinion leaders. Issues of scientific and practical medicine at the level of regional priorities are discussed
Health coverage is key to achieving population health, and within this framework, access to safe, effective and quality medicines is critical. Asian countries are facing challenges of increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases due to increasing risk factors and ageing populations, as well as under-diagnosis and under-treatment. Access to essential medicines for non-communicable diseases is a critical part of universal health coverage, which requires strengthening health systems as well as financial resources, priority setting, and monitoring and evaluation systems. Financing for universal health coverage should ensure that adequate resources are allocated to medicines with a focus on equity, and that non-communicable disease medicines are prioritized for efficient procurement and distribution of these medicines, supported by price controls. These processes should be evidence-based, transparent, and based on national values and priorities. Given the current agenda, Asian countries can no longer ignore the issue of access to essential medicines for non-communicable diseases. Health workers must be up to date with the latest advances in their field and offer the best possible care to patients.
