1. Julita Maradzika Zororo Gandah Brian A. Maponga
Policy Brief Advocating for Multi-Sectorial Approach to Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Zimbabwe
Julita Maradzika
Zororo Gandah
Brian A. Maponga

2. Context of the Problem
Zimbabwe experiencing an “epidemiological transition” faced by a triple burden of communicable, re-emerging and non-communicable diseases
The country has put a lot of emphasis and resources on the first two
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus are all associated with the common risk factors such as poor diet, insufficient physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse.
NCDs caused 63% of all deaths globally in 2008 with more than 80% occurring in developing countries.
It is estimated that NCDs account for 31% of the total deaths in Zimbabwe (WDI 2012).

3. Why policy approach argues for the current approach/policy to be changed
Impact of NCDs on the Health sector
Increased demand for NCD healthcare
Health response to NCD will increase manpower needs in health facilities and in the community.
Constant supply of medication is required to respond to NCDs
Rehabilitation services will be required to respond to the needs of stroke patients in hospital and out of hospital so as to rehabilitate them back into society.

4. Why policy approach argues for the current approach/policy to be changed
Impact of NCDs to other sectors
The chronic nature of the NCDs has seen the cost of per capita health expenditure rising to above $86 per annum.
This has a direct bearing on the national budget, as the total health expenditure will have to be increased.
Considering the current economic challenges, it means the funding has to be drawn from support of other public goods;
Non communicable diseases are increasingly becoming a threat to the life of individuals and community.
There is an increase in orphans and disabled adults who will require social protection, a further national budgetary strain
The chronic nature of NCDs results in loss of family income, and productive time

5. Key recommendations for action
Conduct a situation analysis to identify gaps and develop evidence to be addressed in the strategy
Develop or use existing structures to inform educate and empower the community on the importance of NCD prevention
Build capacities of all sectors to understand their role in NCD prevention
Create a forum for decision making between industry and health sector in marketing and selling of food , alcohol ,drugs and other detrimental factors to individual health
Develop guidelines for the management of NCD that will be used as reference by all sectors
Develop a conducive environment for the prevention promotion of NCDs at all levels

6. Key Stakeholders and Negotiation
Negotiation Platforms
Government Departments:
Local Government; Agriculture; Industry and Commerce; Education; Transport and Energy; Community Development; Social Services; Sports and Recreation Commission
Food processing industry
Local Non Governmental:
Pharmaceutical Companies; Cancer Association; Rehabilitation centers; Hospice; Community Based Organizations; Diabetic Association; Professional Health Associations (e.g. ZiPHA); Community and Faith Based Organizations
International organizations: governmental; non governmental; multilateral
SDH committee
Zimbabwe Public Health Associations
Social Services Cluster
Provincial, district, ward and village development committes
Parliamentary Committee on Health
Community groupings
Industry associations

7. Discuss use of evidence and general strategies used to communicate/translate the evidence to policy
Information obtained from the situation analysis will provide evidence that will be packed in a simple and clear format to communicate the importance of NCDs to all stakeholders who will contribute towards the development of the policy on NCD

8. Strength and weaknesses of the policy brief
Strengths
Weaknesses
The National Health strategy has provided a strong argument to support the need to address NCD and to have in place an NCD strategy
The formulation of the current strategy has already used a wide consultative process which included all the stakeholder who are key in the implementation of the NCD strategy
Currently there is no budget to support the planned activities
Implementation of this strategy will require the participation and commitment of resources from other sectors further agreement on the cost will be required

9. Final decision taken on NCDs
A strategy is required since there is evidence of an increase in the contribution of NCDs to the burden of diseases double burden of both communicable and non communicable
Ratification of the Tobacco control Convention
UN organizations expect the country to have an NCD strategy in place

10. THANK YOU