Implementation of the WHO Strategy for Prevention
and Control of Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Preventing CRDs:  |
| information + integration |
|
A prevention strategy requires:
1. information to guide policy development and to
prepare the different target groups for participation in the comprehensive strategy; and
2. integration which according to the “Proceedings
of the Global Forum on Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control” [3] , entails the
following.
INTEGRATION: "First, it means
that programmes aim at interventions that bring about joint action on several risk factors
by the health systems. Second, it calls for a comprehensive approach combining different
strategies for implementation including policy development, capacity building,
partnership, and information support at all levels. Third, integration calls for
intersectoral action to implement health policies; this other aspect of integration is
needed to address the major determinants of health that fall outside the remit of the
health system. Fourth, integration also refers to efforts to combine population and
high-risk approaches by linking prevention actions of various components of the health
system including health promotion, public health services, primary care, and hospital
care.” |
Creation of Collaborative Networks
Referring back to the schematic
representation used to plot the necessary components of a comprehensive implementation
plan (see page 4), note that 3 different groups are targeted throughout the plan (see
box). The information component of a prevention strategy must then be generated keeping in
mind the three target groups. |
Targets:
1. whole population
2. groups at high risk
3. individuals |
|
Development of policy requires the active involvement
of many sectors including education health, agriculture, industry, transport and
government.
Some examples of integration of policy at a national level:
- Updating medical and nursing curricula to incorporate the latest
policy guidelines on health risks for CRDs into already existing programs
- Co-opting the support of health insurance groups and employers via
national incentives
- Laws addressed to industry with standards for air quality and safe
working conditions
|
Public policy, once formulated, must
then be articulated to attract public support and in ways appropriate for different
stakeholders, including individual citizens, patient and professional groups, corporations
and government agencies. Winning support for policies from collaborating partners and
integration of policies into parallel programmes are essential for their sustained
implementation.
Points of future action by WHO:
- Articulation of issues and advocacy for healthy public policy in
order to create public support for action
- Provision of technical support to integrate policies
- Development of global and national partnerships
|
| [3] Global Forum for Health Research,
The 10/90 Report on Health Research 2001-2002 c/o World Health Organization, 2002, pp.224 |
|
