Effective management and prevention of NCDs, Phase II

The project aims to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by focusing on strengthening the primary health care (PHC) system (Outcome 1) and promoting healthier lifestyles related to NCD risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet (Outcome 2). The project will develop and implement governance interventions to strengthen the PHC system, as well as WHO Package of Essential NCD Interventions (PEN) protocols to empower health workers, particularly nurses, to prevent and control NCDs. In addition, the project will conduct comprehensive behavior change communication (BCC) activities targeting different populations in different settings through different communication channels (Output 3). 

The project is implemented by a consortium of GFA and Euro Health Group (EHG) in partnership with the local organization Healthy Future, which provides the Project Implementation Unit (PIU). While Phase I focused on the northern oblasts (Naryn, Talas, Chui, and Issyk-Kul), Phase II focuses on finalizing the implementation of the governance interventions in the northern oblasts and scaling up the interventions of all three outputs to the southern oblasts (Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken). 

Special topic on gender-specific needs (Output 3):

• "Be Responsible!" for Men: This initiative targets men, focusing on behaviors and lifestyle choices contributing to NCDs, encouraging them to take greater responsibility for their health.
• PEN Protocol 4 for Women: A gender-sensitive health intervention tailored to address womens specific health needs related to NCDs. It builds on the success of Phase I, adapting healthcare responses to the biological and social factors influencing womens health outcomes.
• Improved Accessibility for Men: The project extended Primary Health Care (PHC) facility hours, recognizing that men may face time constraints due to work or social commitments. This aims to improve access to health services by addressing gender-specific barriers.
• Gender-Related Risk Factor and Situational Analysis (LNOB Approach): The project conducted a gender-related risk factor analysis using the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) Approach, ensuring the specific needs of different gender groups are addressed, preventing anyone from being excluded from development efforts.
• Capacity Building in Communication and Counseling: Capacity-building efforts focused on communication and counseling skills were designed to include diverse age groups, genders, ethnicities, and rural/urban residents. This ensures relevant and effective communication strategies and counseling for the populations served.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): The projects M&E includes collecting and analyzing sex- and age-disaggregated data, which is essential for understanding the projects differential impacts on men and women and ensuring gender equity in outcomes.

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