The growing burden of noncommunicable diseases in Egypt and the associated rise in public health and social expenditures is a major problem. Millions of deaths could be prevented by stronger implementation of policies that promote government-wide action against noncommunicable diseases. This includes:
stronger anti-tobacco measures
promoting healthier diet and physical activity, and reducing the harmful use of alcohol
improving access to essential health care.
The major challenges in noncommunicable diseases in Egypt include the need for:
better surveillance and inclusion of noncommunicable diseases in the national surveillance and reporting system
improvement in early detection
integrated service delivery
a reliable referral system
more rational use of drugs for treating this group of diseases
The Ministry of Health and Population, with the support of WHO, has adopted the STEPwise surveillance framework for noncommunicable diseases. The STEPwise survey was successfully conducted in 2011 using a standard survey instrument and a methodology adapted to Egypt’s resource setting.
Noncommunicable diseases, see Chronic diseases
Regional noncommunicable diseases programme
STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS)
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
