Background: In Mongolia, a number of health policy statements, health-related laws and various other health documents have been developed targeting the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). We aimed to analyse the NCD-related policies adopted in Mongolia using the WHO 2008-2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of NCDs.
Methods: The study design was qualitative analysis. A purposive sampling approach was used. A literature review, internet-based search and expert contacts identified the NCD-related policy documents. Information was extracted from the policy related documents using a policy matrix, which mapped each policy document against both the six objectives of the WHO Action Plan and five variables: data source, aim and objectives of document, coverage of conditions, coverage of risk factors and implementation plan.
Results: 40 NCD-related policies were included in the analysis. Policy documents widely discussed prevention and control of the most common NCD types, including CVD, diabetes and cancer through active promotion of healthy lifestyles and health seeking behaviour among the population. The only major NCD not covered was chronic lung disease. Smoking, alcohol, salt, diet, physical activity, hypertension, overweight and obesity were also each extensively addressed. Many documents included explicit implementation or monitoring frameworks.
Conclusion: The policies dedicated to the prevention of NCDs were well aligned with the six objectives of the WHO Action Plan. Mongolia has successfully engaged political commitment, built an appropriate national multisectoral framework for the prevention of NCDs, integrated the prevention of NCDs into national health policies and undertaken significant endeavours to strengthen the health system. Future research can explore the effectiveness of national NCD policies and assess the extent to which the policies are implemented in practice.