Cost-effectiveness Evidence on Prevention, Control, and Treatment of NCDs(cont...)

Population-based Interventions

In terms of population-based interventions specifically, few public health experts would question the benefits of evidence-based tobacco control measures, as contained in WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Asaria et al. (2007) model the effects of a key set of tobacco measures contained in the FCTC (increases in the price of tobacco, enforcement of smoke-free workplaces, packaging and labeling changes, public awareness campaigns, and a
comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship) in 23 low- and middle-income countries, including three South Asian ones (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan), over a period of 10 years (2006–2015).

The estimated effects are given in Table 4.2. Asaria et al. also model the likely impact of a reduction in salt intake by 15 percent. According to the authors this reduction should be achieved by a voluntary reduction in the salt content of processed foods and condiments by manufacturers, plus a sustained mass-media campaign aimed to encourage dietary change within households and communities. The effects for the three South Asian countries are

given in Table 4.3.

Table 4.2 Effect sizes for tobacco-control interventions by country and sex, 2006–2015

Table 4.3 Effect sizes for interventions to reduce salt intake by country, sex, and age, 2006–2015