Implementation of integrated management of non-communicable disease prevention and control in Iran: A proposal

Objective (s): 

Improving health conditions and changing socioeconomic status in Iran, along with unplanned urbanization, has led to change in the pattern of communicable to non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was to design a plan for implementation of integrated prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Iran.

A 4-step qualitative study including document analysis, review of articles and scientific reports, in-depth individual interviews and focused group discussions and approval by the String Committee for Status Analysis and Service Gap Recognition was conducted. Then 5-year vision, strategic goals in the next 5 years and the main strategies and interventions and required re-organization were provided. Data were analyzed using content analysis method.

Strategic goals were formulated in two groups related to behavioral and biological risk factors. Three main strategies for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases included promotion of health literacy, utilization of primary care services, and stabilization of intersectoral cooperation to reduce risk factors related to nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, and physical activity. Designed plan requirements included centralization of parallel and dispersed structures in non-communicable diseases management of the Ministry of Health, training human resources, developing integrated service packages, setting research priorities, explaining the role of each organization, increasing awareness of all public and private managers, and non-governmental organizations participation.

In order to implement this program, in addition to the consideration of the deployment requirements, other measures such as integration into the country's health program, the approval in the Supreme Council of Health and Food Security of the country, and the development of a comprehensive provincial health plan based on this program are required.