NCD prevention policy / Health promotion policy

What we are

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), principally cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases, are the leading causes of death globally. In Thailand, NCDs are accounted for 74% of all deaths. Burden of NCDs disproportionately affects poor and disadvantaged populations. NCDs therefore widen health inequalities between and within countries. Four main behavioural risk factors include tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. To reduce the burden of morbidity, mortality, and disability due to NCDs, WHO has recommended various policy options and cost–effective interventions, known as “best buys”.

This research theme covers on various NCD policy-relevant research at both national, regional and global levels, focusing on alcohol policy, food and nutrition policy, policy to promote breast feeding, and physical activity promotion.NTPR was established in 2018 with the aim to conduct health policy and system research related to non-Thai population groups and networking with academic and policy partners. The target populations of the research themes are non-Thai populations and vulnerable populations who are likely to face barriers of access to healthcare. These include migrants (low-skilled and high-skilled migrant workers) and their dependents, stateless people, urban refugees and asylum seekers, expatriates. Also, for the Thai citizens, our research team members involve in research projects that targets young children, women, patients with chronic conditions, and prisoners.