Tackling the burden of NCDs in Sri Lanka: the Way Forward

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) being the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sri Lanka, the national target is to reduce premature mortality due to NCD by one third by 2030, through reducing their common risk factors, and providing integrated screening and treatment services. Having a common platform by linking the Ministry of Health and other government agencies for relevant aggregate data i.e. Education, Agriculture, coupled with periodic surveys is essential in monitoring morbidity and social determinants of NCD. The coverage and quality of mortality due to NCD should be strengthened by linking with Registrar Generals Department and private sector healthcare providers.