Table 1.

Action Items for Prevention of All Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in the National Action Plan on NCD Prevention, Control, and Health Promotion (NAP-NCD), Pakistan

Action items
Development and maintenance of an integrated population-based NCD surveillance system incorporating program monitoring and evaluation componentsa
Development of a research-guided, behavioral-change communication strategy for NCDs; implementation at the national level through the media and at the grassroots level through community health workers (Lady Health Workers)a
Development and implementation of a sustainable, scientifically valid, culturally appropriate and resource-sensitive continuing medical education program for professional education and involvement of all categories of health care providers in NCD prevention and integration in health services
Upgrading infrastructure in health care facilities and ensuring availability of essential drugs relevant to chronic disease prevention at the basic health care level
Building capacity of health systems in support of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and control
Building a coalition or network of organizations at the national, provincial, and local levels facilitated by federal and provincial health services to add momentum to CVD prevention and control as part of a comprehensive NCD prevention effort

^aPriority actions.