National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and Related Risk Factors - WHO Compendium Report on Multisectoral Action

The Islamic Republic of Iran developed and implemented a set of multisectoral actions‎ for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The Supreme Council for Health and Food Security, led by the President, has been the key body fostering health in all policies and enhancing multisectoral actions in the country. The National NCD Committee, established within the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, developed the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and Related Risk Factors, which was approved by the Supreme Council for Health in 2015. To support implementation of the National Action Plan, two subcommittees were established for multisectoral action. At the provincial level, the universities of medical sciences are involved in developing a provincial plan. By leveraging multisectoral action, memorandums of understanding have been signed between the health ministry and key stakeholders, several ministries and other public organizations have established health secretariats to boost multisectoral initiatives on NCDs, and standards and laws have been passed related to NCD risk factors. Nonetheless, a number of challenges hindered progress in multisectoral action to reduce NCDs in the country, including the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, financial constraints imposed by sanctions, changes in government, and inadequate systematic approach to NCD management. Multisectoral action needs to be reprioritized and the National Action Plan revised to reflect changes in the country’s capacity and context.

This country story is a brief excerpt taken from the detailed country case study in the WHO Compendium report on multisectoral actions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions. Read the full report or access the country story via below link.