Health system response and capacity to address and respond to NCDs
Availability of NCD related tests and procedures at primary health care level
Situation and trends
The availability of NCD tests and procedures shows great variation across WHO Regions. There is little access to basic management of end-stage renal disease, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer and photocoagulation services to prevent blindness in the public health systems of nearly two thirds of countries in some regions such as the African and Western Pacific Region. In other regions, the situation is better, in particular in the European region where in about 80% of countries most NCD tests and procedures are available.
The availability of NCD tests and procedures in low income countries is about one quarter that of high income countries. Even in hospital settings in low income countries, there is limited availability of basic technologies required for NCD care and rehabilitation.
Availability of basic technologies and treatment in many low and lower middle income countries is poor particularly for cancer and diabetes in primary case, however, basic services are not available in about 10% of high income countries as well.
The above also highlights the importance of preventing diabetic and cardiovascular complications through early diagnosis and effective treatment in countries where the facilities and experienced human resources for managing these complications are not widely available.