Cost-effective programs for the noncommunicable diseases prevention. Part 1: level of legislation, media and environment

Achievements of modern medicine and a number of other factors have led to an increase in the life expectancy and aging of the population. Together with an unhealthy lifestyle it has contributed to the growth in the number of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The priority area is the reduction of the burden of NCDs on a global scale and for each individual country in order to improve the quality of life and the welfare of the population. However, various programs for the prevention and management of NCDs make an unequal contribution to their effectiveness and cost. In 2017, World Нealth Оrganization (WHO) published cost-effective solutions and other recommended interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. For each behavioral risk factor and disease category, measures were listed with an assessment of their cost-effectiveness. In this review, the cost-effective and other measures presented by WHO are analyzed in terms of their application at three out of the six levels identified by the authors: legislation, the media, and the environment. In addition, examples of preventive programs aimed at combating smoking and drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as increasing the physical activity of the population are given.

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