Progress and challenges in implementing non-communicable disease policies in Sudan

Abstract

AbstractNon-communicable diseases (NCD) pose a substantial global public health challenge, representing the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study investigates the progress and challenges in implementing NCD policies in Sudan. Document analysis following the ready your materials, extract data, analyse data and distil your findings (READ) approach, was utilized to review published literature and reports. Data from the NCD Progress Monitor showed that the percentage of NCD-related mortality had increased from 32% in 2015 to 54% in 2022. Sudan’s progress in implementing NCD policies has been slow and challenging; eight of the 19 NCD target indicators had never been fully achieved, and only five targets were fully achieved in the year 2022. However, these figures may be underestimated due to the lack of robust NCD information systems. Like many countries, Sudan faces challenges in implementing NCD policies, particularly those targeting healthy diets, medications and data management systems. This may be linked to the prolonged history of conflict, shortage of trained health personnel, limited resources and lack of robust NCD surveillance systems in the country. The ongoing devastating war and destruction of the healthcare system infrastructure in Sudan further intensified these challenges. Prioritizing NCD policies and programmes during the anticipated post-conflict health system reforms is crucial for enhancing NCD prevention and outcomes in Sudan.