Public Policy and the Challenge of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases

Abstract

Since the early 1990s, the importance of
\n chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to global health
\n has gained increased recognition. This report contains an
\n agenda for action in response to the growing economic,
\n social, and health problems posed by NCDs. Its objective is
\n to enable the World Bank and its clients to examine and,
\n where appropriate, strategically shift their approaches to
\n public policy as a tool to prevent and control NCDs. The
\n report highlights two broad themes. First, public policies
\n need to prevent NCDs to the greatest extent possible and, in
\n doing so, promote healthy aging and avoid premature deaths.
\n Second, at the same time, public policies need to recognize
\n that the burden of NCDs will increase because of population
\n aging, and therefore public policy has a role to play in
\n dealing with the pressures that this will impose on health
\n services. Thus the report has a dual purview: how to avoid
\n the burden of NCDs as much as possible and how to prepare
\n for the consequences of more NCDs associated with
\n demographic change.