Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Implementation Research

There have been continuous attempts to address the challenge of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through policies and programme by the governments and interventions by the civil society. Despite the policies and programmes being in place, the implementation is inadequate in its coverage, quality and cost-effectiveness. In this context, Implementation Research has gained momentum in the wider arena of global health. It is worthwhile to focus on this particular aspect from a viewpoint of bridging the gap between knowledge and action, and understanding practical approaches to address the challenges of NCDs. 

The NCDs account for 74% of deaths globally with heart disease being the top cause for death from NCDs. For example, deaths attributable to NCDs in India increased from 36% to 65%, from 1990 to 2019. It is a matter of concern that the chances of death are prominent from four main non-communicable diseases viz chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. Further, mental health and obesity have emerged as threats to human health. 

The global burden and threat of NCDs also undermines social and economic development, which is a deep concern for an emerging economy. Despite the attempt of more than three decades, half of the world’s population still does not have full coverage of essential health services for NCDs. Similarly, efforts to address NCDs are still maldistributed and urban-centric, specifically in developing countries like India. For example, hospitalization for NCDs forced 47% of the households to bear catastrophic health expenditure, pushing people into poverty. 

Therefore, Implementation Research is the need of the hour to address evidence and implementation gaps for NCD care. The specific objectives of this research group on NCDs implementation research are the following:

• Focus on narrowing the gap between research and practice with regard to NCDs using     bio-medical and public health evidences.
• Designing cohort studies with a view of improving evidence-driven adoption of health policies and accelerating cost-effective policy and multi-sectoral programme implementation.
• Developing demonstration models and best practices and devising ways for their integration within existing implementation ecosystem at all levels.
• Engaging stakeholders such as civil-society actors, policy makers and international agencies with a fresh outlook on implementation research.
• Strengthen NCD management capacities in the country by facilitating implementation of screening, care, monitoring and evaluation, through technical and technological solutions.