Better noncommunicable disease outcomes: challenges and opportunities for health systems: Republic of Moldova country assessment

Abstract

Like many countries, the Republic of Moldova faces a growing NCD burden. This report examines the challenges and opportunities faced in the Republic of Moldova in order to accelerate improvement in NCD outcomes. In recent years, the Government of the Republic of Moldova has implemented a number of important reforms that have increased efficiency and equity in resource allocation, and have provided incentives to improve service delivery, including for NCDs. Challenges include further scale up and implementation of new initiatives in the area of NCD risk factor management. Major gains can be made through relatively low-cost public health and primary health care interventions. These include, among others, strengthening tobacco, alcohol, and dietary polices and their implementation, improving detection and treatment of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, strengthening clinical protocols, and improving rational prescribing practice. This report examines in depth the health system challenges and opportunities for improved prevention and control of NCDs and concludes with policy recommendations for the consideration of policy makers in the Republic of Moldova.