Government Steps Up Multi-Sectoral Action to Prevent and Control Non-Communicable Diseases

The government has intensified efforts to effectively implement the multi-sectoral action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while accelerating reforms in the public health sector.

A discussion on the current status of non-communicable diseases in Nepal was held on Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. The meeting was chaired by the health advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

The meeting concluded that greater emphasis should be placed on health promotion as a long-term strategy for preventing non-communicable diseases. It also decided to hold consultations with all ministries to ensure the effective implementation of the multi-sectoral action plan and to conduct regular review meetings soon.

The meeting discussed measures to strengthen public awareness of healthy lifestyles and improve coordination with local governments for the prevention and control of NCDs.

Participants also emphasized introducing public health education at the school level and creating an environment that encourages specialist doctors to remain and work in Nepal.

Tobacco products, energy drinks, junk food, pesticide-contaminated food and unhealthy lifestyles were identified as major contributing factors to non-communicable diseases.

The meeting stressed the need for stronger measures to control and regulate such risk factors, alongside broader health-promotion initiatives aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles among the public.

The government has adopted a strategy in the current fiscal year 2083/84 to prioritize prevention, public awareness, regular health screening, and lifestyle-based interventions over treatment alone in controlling cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Nepal has also committed to the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030. The government’s latest efforts are aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare and accelerating progress toward this target.