1 CARMEN Observatory: Policy Monitoring Function CARMEN Policy Observatory Meeting Montreal, May 2008

2 Road Map Define policy monitoring –Position policy monitoring function relative to other Observatory functions Describe monitoring tools and templates –NCD Country Capacity Survey –NCD Situation Analysis Template –Topic Specific Initiatives and Tools

3 Definitions of Policy Monitoring PAHO 2002 –Collection, systematization and ongoing descriptive analysis of information relating to policies preventing NCD in the Region and their characteristics Policy Observatory Strategic Planning Group, 2007 –Regular, continuous observation of policy- related activities over time Making inventories, cataloguing, profiling – Where policies exist – Their characteristics

4 Positioning Policy Monitoring Policy monitoring –Stands alone –Serves the research function –Serves the dialogue function –May require training

5 To Monitor Policies Scope and purpose directed to audience Tools to collect information Capacity to answer questions in the tools Capacity to analyze responses Feedback Our asset: network of CARMEN countries with a common commitment to deal with NCD

6 Monitoring Tools NCD Country Capacity Survey Tool –To assess current country capacity and responses to prevent and control NCD Guide WHO assistance Identify gaps in action on NCD –Added legislation and regulation checklist –Adding policy implementation/enforcement questions

7 Monitoring Templates Situation Analysis Template –WHO Framework for Country Action – work in progress WHO HQ Template (for cancer) adapted to NCD – To assess the current epidemiological status of NCD and risk factors and the country response to control these ie “where we are now”, using the best quality information available

8 Monitoring Tools Topic Specific Tools –European mini action networks: salt, food advertising to children, overweight and obesity in primary school children –EuroPrevOb: policy monitoring against benchmarks food product labelling restrictions on food advertising and marketing use of economic tools affecting food prices physical activity and the built environment school health policies maternal and child health services

9 On to: Exercise on Monitoring Tools and Templates Thank you for your thoughts and contributions