Research Sub-Theme
Risk Factor Analysis and Early Detection
Investigate genetic, environmental, and behavioral risk factors associated with NCDs
Develop screening tools and early detection methods, especially for at-risk populations
Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions
Research effective lifestyle interventions (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation) to reduce NCD risk
Study the impact of mental health, stress management, and social behaviors on NCD prevention
Community-Based Prevention Programs
Design and assess community health programs to promote healthy behaviors.
Explore cultural, social, and economic factors that influence the adoption of preventive practices
Health Policy and Systems Research
Analyze policies that impact NCD prevention, such as tobacco control, sugar regulation, and physical activity promotion
Evaluate healthcare system capabilities in supporting preventive care for NCDs
Technology and Digital Health Solutions
Explore the role of telemedicine, mobile health apps, and wearable technology in NCD prevention
Develop and test digital tools for tracking and encouraging preventive behaviors
Health Disparities and Access to Care
Study how socioeconomic, geographic, and racial/ethnic disparities affect NCD outcomes
Identify barriers to preventive care and propose solutions to improve access for underserved communities
Education and Health Promotion
Research effective communication strategies to improve health literacy and awareness of NCD risks
Develop educational resources and campaigns targeting various demographics to promote preventive health
ROAD MAP
Situation Analysis and Baseline Studies (2023-2024)
Objective
- Assess the current prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors.
- Establish a baseline understanding of existing policies, their health impacts, and system readiness for implementing HIA.
Purpose
- Identify priority areas for intervention and policy reform.
- Provide an evidence base for HIA applications in preventing NCDs.
Key Activities
- Epidemiological studies to assess the burden of NCDs across various demographics.
- Health Risk Assessments to identify critical factors contributing to NCD prevalence, such as lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, and environmental risks.
- Gap analysis of current public policies and infrastructure in addressing NCDs and readiness for integrating HIA into decision-making processes.
Development of NCD Prevention and HIA Framework (2025-2026)
Objective
- Develop and pilot HIA frameworks tailored to specific sectors and regions to mitigate NCD risks.
- Design comprehensive NCD prevention strategies that integrate HIA results.
Purpose
- Ensure that policies across sectors are evaluated for their health impacts, particularly regarding NCDs.
- Foster collaboration between sectors to prioritize public health in policy development.
Key Activities
- Piloting HIA frameworks: Integrate HIA in public policies related to transport, housing, urban planning, and food systems.
- Designing prevention programs: Use HIA outcomes to create targeted prevention strategies focusing on key risk factors (e.g., smoking cessation, increased physical activity, healthier diets).
- Capacity building: Train policymakers, public health officials, and stakeholders in implementing and using HIA in decision-making.
Full-Scale Implementation and Monitoring (2027-2028)
Objective
- Implement NCD prevention programs at scale using HIA to guide policy decisions across sectors.
- Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the effectiveness of policies in reducing NCD risk factors.
Purpose
- Drive cross-sectoral policy changes that lead to healthier populations.
- Leverage HIA as a tool to continuously optimize interventions and policies that influence NCD risk factors
Key Activities
- Large-scale implementation of prevention programs such as public health campaigns, environmental interventions (e.g., improved air quality), and urban planning reforms.
- Health Impact Monitoring: Continuously monitor and assess the health outcomes of major public policies using HIA to ensure they are effectively reducing NCDs.
- Adjusting policies based on HIA findings: If necessary, refine public policies based on the observed health impacts, ensuring they align with NCD control goals.
Evaluation and Expansion of Best Practices (2029-2030)
Objective
- Evaluate the long-term impacts of NCD prevention strategies and policies that utilized HIA.
- Expand and replicate successful interventions and policies based on evaluation outcomes.
Purpose
- Ensure the sustainability and scalability of successful NCD prevention programs.
- Share and promote best practices globally, facilitating broader adoption of HIA in NCD prevention strategies.
Key Activities
- Comprehensive evaluation of the impact of HIA-guided policies on reducing NCD prevalence, particularly in high-risk areas.
- Replication of best practices: Expand successful interventions and programs to other regions or sectors where NCD risks are high.
- Policy refinement and scale-up: Use evaluation data to scale up and refine NCD prevention policies and HIA practices.
Long-Term Sustainability and Policy Integration (2031-2033)
Objective
- Establish HIA as a standard component of public policy decision-making to ensure long-term sustainability in NCD control.
- Foster institutional changes to integrate HIA permanently into national and local governance structures.
Purpose
- Guarantee that HIA continues to play a central role in controlling NCDs beyond the 10-year roadmap.
- Ensure that future policies across sectors prioritize public health and the prevention of NCDs as part of routine decision-making
Key Activities
- Institutionalization of HIA: Embed HIA in the policy development process at national, regional, and local levels.
- Sustainability planning: Develop long-term sustainability plans for HIA and NCD prevention programs.
- Global partnerships: Collaborate with international organizations to promote the global adoption of HIA in NCD prevention strategies.
- Reduction in NCD Prevalence: A measurable decline in the rates of NCDs, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, particularly among vulnerable populations.
- Policy Transformation: Public policies across sectors (e.g., transport, environment, urban planning) consistently reflect health impact considerations, particularly in reducing NCD risks.
- Healthier Environments: Creation of healthier living environments that promote physical activity, reduce exposure to harmful substances (e.g., air pollution, tobacco), and support healthy food systems.
- Capacity Building: Public health professionals and policymakers will have the capacity and knowledge to use HIA effectively in preventing and managing NCDs.
- Sustainable Health Governance: Health Impact Assessment will be institutionalized within governance frameworks to ensure that public health, especially regarding NCD prevention, is a key consideration in all policies.