NCDs affect millions of people in Myanmar, yet essential NCD care is virtually non-existent at the primary health care level. In Myanmar, approximately 441,000 people die annually from NCDs. Six of the top 10 burdens of disease are attributable to NCDs. Myanmar has the greatest burden of disease per capita from NCDs amongst all low or middle-income countries in South-East Asia, with the burden already virtually the same as in high-income countries. The prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be 10.5% according to the latest STEPs survey.Despite these challenges, the government is committed to improving its health response and has consequently recognised the emerging NCD challenge.ObjectivesTo expand and improve capacity within NCD prevention, care and monitoring in Myanmar through implementation of the WHO Package of Essential NCDs (WHO PEN) model with focus on primary level care.
Notwithstanding the recently increased recognition and willingness by the Government of Myanmar to address NCDs, there remains limited knowledge among health authorities and providers on NCD prevention and management. Thus, investment in the health workforce, at all levels, is needed to expand knowledge and understanding of appropriate, context-specific interventions in order to effectively implement the government’s national NCD Strategic Plan to address the current high burden of NCDs as well as their increasing trend.This project aims to build on the current work and investment of the 2014 Myanmar STEPS survey (WDF13-772) among the population aged 25-64 funded by the WDF in Myanmar. The survey demonstrated there is a clear need to be addressed and consequently, HelpAge, as a project partner of the government and with the partnership of WDF’s partner UM2, along with the University of Public Health (UPH), proposes to improve the quality of care of diabetes and other NCDs at the primary health care level. To achieve this goal the project will expand access to NCD prevention and care services in Myanmar by supporting the MoHS to roll out implementation of the WHO Package of Essential NCD interventions (PEN) among existing Primary Health Care (PHC) centres, conduct research on the PEN scaling up process, strengthen training for future cadres of health care providers, and hold a national conference on NCDs to advocate for support of NCD control.
PEN expansion in 242 townships in Myanmar, 3/4 of the country’s 330 townships.More than 1,400 staff of national and regional/state government sensitised.31 ToTs, more than 600 health staff (TMOs and MOs) and more than 5,000 BHC trained in PEN model care delivery.16 teaching staff and more than 200 students trained in NCDs and PEN model.More than 150,00 diabetes and 350,000 hypertension patients diagnosed and treated.