Population-Based Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases: An Introduction

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, encompassing cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. The World Health Organization’s ‘Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020’ aims to reduce NCD death rates by 25%. In response, countries are developing national NCD prevention policies and programs, necessitating capacity building and training.

The Nuffield Department for Population Health at the University of Oxford initiated a six-day short course on Prevention Strategies for Non-Communicable Diseases, focusing on a population-based approach. This approach diverges from individual-level interventions, such as screening and treating individual patients, and instead addresses the broader population.

‘An Introduction to Population-Level Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases’ provides a comprehensive overview of the population-based approach, covering problem definition, solution generation, capacity building, implementation, and evaluation and monitoring. The book includes numerous case studies and practical examples of plans and projects, illustrating real-life applications of theory.

This book serves as a key resource for anyone interested in NCD prevention, particularly early-career professionals working in governments, NGOs, healthcare institutions, and universities. It provides the knowledge and skills required for effective population-based prevention strategies.

Published by Oxford University Press in 2017, this book reflects the latest research in the field and offers an unparalleled overview of population-based approaches to NCD prevention.