NCD 'Best Buy' Interventions
16 November 2017
The WHO recently updated Appendix 3 of the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020. This appendix provides policy makers with a list of 'best buy' interventions to address NCDs. A list of options is presented for each of the four key risk factors for NCDs - tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
Within the Unhealthy Diet section, salt reduction is the key 'best buy' intervention:
- Reduce salt intake through the reformulation of food products to contain less salt and the setting of target levels for the amount of salt in foods and meals
- Reduce salt intake through the establishment of a supportive environment in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and nursing homes, to enable lower sodium options to be provided
- Reduce salt intake through a behaviour change communication and mass media campaign
- Reduce salt intake through the implementation of front-of-pack labelling
Salt reduction is listed as a 'best buy' as it is an effective intervention with cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) ≤$100 per DALY averted in LMICs (low- and middle-income countries).
To view the updated Appendix, please click here.