Nurturing Health: A Lifecourse Approach to NCD Prevention in Nepal

Objectives

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.

Approach

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:
• Bolstering primary care in Lumbini province by using evidence-based research to identify gaps, developing standardised protocols for care, implementing these protocols across all levels of the healthcare system, and strengthening the health information system.
• Improving access to health services by assessing and engaging private sector health providers in remote areas, adapting standardised care protocols to their services, and establishing reporting mechanisms within the government system.
• Encouraging community engagement for non-communicable disease awareness and promoting healthy behaviours across 48 of 77 districts in Nepal, including integrating evidence-based messages into nutrition strategies, strengthening the capacity of frontline health workers and community leaders, and expanding the Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative—a global WHO and UNICEF initiative—to 25 maternity hospitals nationwide.
• Enhancing governance and policy for primary prevention by integrating non-communicable diseases into the Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan III (2024–2030), advocating for increased resource allocation for medical supplies, and promoting the inclusion of non-communicable diseases in research agendas.

Expected results

• Quality hyperglycaemia in pregnancy continuum of care introduced in Lumbini province with 97 doctors, 453 nurses, and 5,382 female community health volunteers 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 female community health volunteers and 450 peer educators trained in NCD messaging and counselling.
• 2,000 pregnant women screened for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and referred, as part of prevalence study.