Country Capacity and Accomplishments and Application of the Policy Options Framework(cont...)

Nepal

Key Policy Options and Strategic Actions

Assess

* Create a national NCD surveillance system. Initial efforts should focus on risk factors including

tobacco (especially among women), alcohol use, and injuries. The core public and private

institutions with experience and capacity should be tapped for capacity development and

technical assistance.

Plan

* Finalize National NCD Policy. The policy is drafted and needs to engage stakeholders and to be

adopted by the government.

Develop and Implement

* Strengthen tobacco control policies. Current efforts need to be built on. A broad focus, as

outlined in the FCTC (which has been adopted) is needed with a specific focus on taxes to

reduce consumption.

* Retool the heath workforce for NCD prevention and control. The health workforce is in short

supply and is likely not skilled in management of NCDs. Two major areas of change required are

to increase the workforce and to increase its skills. Concomitantly, the health infrastructure,

with primary care, will need to be equipped with basic diagnostic and management capacity.

Financing strategies should also be developed, which assure access to services and medications,

especially among the poor.

Evaluate

* Develop monitoring and evaluation capacity. As the national NCD policy is adopted and policies

developed, and evaluation plan will be need to fine tune and redirect efforts and resources.