Chronic disease
Public policy and the challenge of chronic noncommunicable diseases
The World Bank’s agenda for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
Authors:
O. Adeyi; O. Smith; S. Robles
Publisher:
Health, Nutrition and Population Division, Human Development Department, World Bank, 2007
This World Bank report contains an agenda for action in response to the growing economic, social and health problems posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The report addresses the global non-communicable disease trends and offers a framework for improving outcomes in relation to the prevention and control of NCDs. It warns that poor countries are catching up with wealthier nations in terms of cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. By 2015, these chronic illnesses will be the leading cause of death in developing countries. In addition NCDs impose a significant economic burden, not just on patients, but also on households, communities, employers, health care systems, and government budgets.
The report calls for actions to slow down the trend in NCD mortality, and to prepare for subsequent heavy demand on health care budgets. In particular, it recognises that service delivery issues will be central to achieving better NCD outcomes. Future World Bank support for the control of NCDs will focus on achieving sustainable outcomes in prevention and treatment. The emphasis will be on affordable and highly effective interventions at the levels of the population and the individual. [adapted from author]
