Ann Chron Dise | Volume 2, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Switzerland’s National Non-communicable Diseases Strategy

Mattig T1,2* and Chastonay P3

1Health Promotion Switzerland, Bern, Switzerland
2Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
3Department of Medicine, Faculty of Science, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland

*Correspondance to: Thomas Mattig 

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Abstract

Among the major public health challenges, especially facing Switzerland is the growing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases is a forthcoming challenge (NCDs). Currently 2.2 million of a population of 8 million is affected with NCDs being responsible for 80% of health costs and nearly 60% of premature mortality. In early 2013 the Federal Council – Switzerland’s highest executive authority – approved a comprehensive healthcare strategy entitled “Health 2020”. In 2016 a National Strategy for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases was adopted via a year-long consultation process. This strategy has four overarching long-term objectives: “to control the global burden of disease due to NCDs; to contain rising costs in the health sector; to reduce premature mortality; to maintain and enhance the productivity and social participation of the population”. More specifically the NCD strategy aims to “reduce behavioral risk factors; improve health literacy; develop a health promoting environment; improve equity in access to health promotion and prevention; reduce the proportion of the population at increased risk of disease; improve the quality of life and reduce the need for care”. In 2017, specific measures were adopted in order to ensure a reduction of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases and a reduction of the burden of disease due to these conditions. The long term success of this strategy will require the commitment of the many stakeholders in the health sector as well as cooperation between federal and cantonal authorities.

Keywords:

Disease prevention; Chronic non-communicable disease; Health policy; Public health strategy

Citation:

Mattig T, Chastonay P. Switzerland’s National Non-communicable Diseases Strategy. Ann Chron Dise. 2017; 2(1): 1002.

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