Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in Developing Countries: Research Evidences From Developed Countries for Health Systems in Developing Countries

Addressing Non-communicable diseases in Developing countries: Research evidences from developed countries for Health Systems in developing countries Mulu Abraha, Tilahun Nigatu Introduction: Addressing noncommunicable diseases and injuries is not something that developing countries can leave to the future. Noncommunicable diseases already account for a substantial share of the disease burden in most developing countries. To address these problems, developing countries can draw on evidences from the developed countries. Objectives: To illustrate research evidences on communicable diseases from developed countries that can be adapted to the context of health systems in developing countries Methods: Systematic review of studies that address effective strategies for prevention of major non-communicable diseases in the developed countries was conducted. The findings of the review were then analysed from the perspective of main risk factors for communicable diseases and Health system related factors in developing countries. Results: In developed countries, prevention through educational efforts, food regulations, urban transportation policies, and fiscal policies that address risk factors were found to be effective. A strong and functional health system in developed countries has facilitated the prevention, care treatment of non-communicable diseases. Health systems in developing countries, which are primarily oriented on communicable diseases, maternal and child heath, can adapt their experiences from multi-sectoral approach of HIV/AIDS prevention and control to other major non-communicable diseases. Conclusion: To address non-communicable diseases, developing countries should focus on adapting best evidence from the rest of the world as this is the most cost-effective approach. Key words: Non-communicable diseases, Developing Countries