To reduce life-long NCD risk by leveraging multisector partnerships integrating Hyperglycaemia in Pregnancy (HIP) services and NCD agenda into well-established nutrition and maternal and child health (MCH) policies, programmes and community platforms.
This project employs a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy to prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by addressing health needs at integral critical life stages, focusing widely on Maternal & Child Health (MCH) and the crucial first 1,000 days of life. This strategy is integrated into health and nutritional policies through a collaboration between various governmental departments.Key activities include:1. Bolstering primary care in Lumbini province by using evidence-based research to identify gaps, developing standardized protocols for care, rolling out these protocols at all healthcare levels, and enhancing the health information system.2. Improving access to health services by assessing and involving private health sectors in remote areas, adapting standardised health protocols to fit their services, and setting up reporting mechanisms within the governmental system.3. Encouraging community engagement for NCD awareness and promoting healthy behaviors across 48 of 77 districts of Nepal. This includes integrating evidence-based messages into nutrition strategies, improving the capacity of frontline health workers and community leaders, and expanding the Mother Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI) – a global WHO/UNICEF initiative - to 25 maternity hospitals nationwide.4. Enhancing the governance and policy for primary prevention by integrating NCDs into the Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan III (2024-2030), advocating for increased resource allocation for supplies, and introducing NCDs into the research.
- Quality HIP continuum of care introduced in Lumbini province with 97 doctors, 453 nurses, and 5,382 Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) trained in HIP protocol, representing 200 health facilities.- 750 health workers trained in Mother Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, representing 25 clinics throughout Nepal.- 8,827 FCHVs and 450 peer educators trained in NCD messaging and counselling, - 2,000 pregnant women screened for HIP and referred, as part of prevalence study.