1. Non-communicable diseases in Afghanistan
Dr. Fahim Paigham
Head of NCD department MoPH

6. NCD situation in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is in the early stages of the demographic transition NCD is making it a double burden on population.
About 35 percent of all deaths in Afghanistan are due to non-communicable diseases (AMS)
38% in Women
33% in men
Cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasm, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and digestive diseases are the leading cause of deaths due to NCDs, which account 14%, 7.3%, 3.7%, 1.9%, and 1.8% of total NCDs deaths, respectively.
Injury related deaths 7% in women 21% in men

7. Structure of prevention
NCDs set as an important priority in National Health Policy (2020), Strategic Plan
A department under the general directorate of preventive medicine established in 2012
National NCD prevention and control strategy drafted
Technical task force for NCD established
Limited resources available, resource mobilization underway.

8. Main achievements Data on NCDs gathered and disseminated (AMS)
Department of NCD prevention and control established
World cancer day celebrated
NCD incorporated in key documents
Law banning use of tobacco in public places developed

9. Main challenges Lack of surveillance for NCD
Lack of capacity among health care providers
Lack of resources for control and prevention of NCD
Low engagement and interest of donor agencies in NCDs

10. Main lessons learned NCD is a huge burden in the country
There is need for capacity building at all levels to address the NCD
Advocacy and behavior change are keys to success

11. Next steps
Develop and finalize strategy, plan and guidelines for NCD prevention and control
Development of NCD surveillance for the country
Work on cancer registry
Resource mobilization and coordination with stakeholders

12. …..and this is what we want (a healthy environment for afghans)