1. 2nd International Seminar on the Public Health Aspects of Non-communicable Diseases 10 – 18 August 2010 lausanne, switzerland By
Dr D A Bash-Taqi
Director of Postgraduate training, NCDs and Research
Republic of Sierra Leone

2. Outline of presentation
Introducing Sierra Leone
NCD Situation in Sierra Leone
Response to NCD
interventions & approaches
Challenges and Opportunities
Future plans and perspectives

3. Introducing Sierra Leone
6 million population
37% resides in urban areas
Life expectancy: 47 yrs(M), 49 yrs (F)
Population below $1 a day (70%)
GoSL allocation to health: 8% of GDP ($18.4 M)
4 regions, 14 districts, 149 chiefdoms
Capital city is Freetown

4. NCD Situation in Sierra Leone
Profile of NCDs
Cardiovascular diseases/strokes
Hypertension
Diabetes
Chronic respiratory diseases
Cancers(breast,cervical,liver,prostrate,burkitt’s lymphoma)
Mental disorders/epilepsy
Sickle cell disease
Injuries

5. NCD Situation in Sierra Leone
NCD Risk factors among adult population aged25-64 years
17% current drinkers
14% males and 5% females of the population engaged in heavy episodic drinking respectively.
34% currently use tobacco( 26% smoking tobacco and 8% using smokeless tobacco)
74% and 69% of non-smokers are exposed to tobacco smoke at home and workplace respectively

6. NCD Situation in Sierra Leone
35% of the population have raised blood pressure with only 7% on medications
Average BMI is 23 kg/m2, 22% classified as overweight and 8% obese.
91% of the population consumes less than 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables on average per day
87% had sedentary lifestyles.

7. Main interventions and approaches
Response to ncds
Main interventions and approaches
FCTC ratified (july 2010)
Ban on adverts for tobacco and alcohol
No smoking zones in some selected GoSL facilities
Integration of NCD/MH prevention and control into PHC

8. Response to ncds contd
NHSSP( ) developed & launched(NCD/MH)
NCD Policy and strategic plan developed (2010)
MH policy and strategic Plan developed & launched(May 2010)
STEPS Survey on NCD RFs

9. Challenges and opportunities
Financing,
Medicines and supply system
Health workforce(primary care)
Affordable technologies
Equity

10. Challenges and opportunities
Referral links
Integration of NCDs into PHC
Information systems
Political (in)stability
SWAP to strengthen health systems
CHALLENGES

11. Challenges and opportunities
PRSP 2( ) and NHSSP( ) have NCDs and MH as priority objectives
Existence of DPNR with a budget line within MOHS
Interest of DPs in NCDs P&C
Results from GYTS and STEPS surveys for advocacy
Inclusion of mental health into NCDs
Ratification of FCTC in 2010

12. Future plans and perspectives
Reinforce leadership and strengthen capacity of the health system for prevention and control of NCDs.
Advocate for other relevant national policies and plans that may impact on prevention and control of NCDs
Establish and strengthen an integrated NCDs surveillance and provide evidence for public health decision making.
Promote healthy lifestyle and reduce risk factors using health promotion strategies.

13. Future plans and perspectives
Promote research for the prevention and control of NCDs
Strengthen partnerships and establish a network of relevant stakeholders for surveillance, prevention and management of NCDs.
Establish a System for NCDs monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of promotion, prevention and control measures.