Preventing Non-communicable Diseases, Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle and Support to Modernization of the Health System in Belarus (BELMED)

About of project:

Description

About 90% of all deaths in Belarus are associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs): 63% are cardiovascular, 14% are oncological. Their development is further provoked by harmful habits, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. The burden of dangerous illnesses may be reduced by mitigating NCD-related risk factors.

Goals and Objectives: Facilitate the prevention of non-communicable diseases and the reinforcement of the public healthcare system, as well as promote healthy lifestyle. The project also fosters of the efficiency of national programmes and the actions of the Government and local authorities in the field of reducing the NCD burden on both the national and regional levels, as well as the public involvement in the promotion of health-improving local initiatives.

Key Outcomes: The integrated STEPS survey: monitoring and assessment of the key NCD risk factors among the adult populations, development of a factual database for adoption of justified decision in the field of NCD prevention. The results are used as a tool for monitoring the NCD key factors in the context of the National Programme "The People's Health and Demographic Safety of the Republic of Belarus". STEPS was used as a basis for adjusting some target indicators of the National Programmes "The Percentage of Tobacco Smokers (Smoking at the Present Time)", and " Adult Population's Physical Activity", "Average Daily Consumption of Salt". 

The National HLS Information Strategy was developed in Belarus for the first time; its main goal is to form a single media field in the country in support of the achievement of the National Programme indicators. 

The implementation of the activities of one of the objectives of the Project "Development of the HLS Promotion Mechanisms on the Local Level" showed the relevance and efficiency of development and support of efficient mechanisms of partnership and joint activity of non-commercial organisations, local authorities (self-government bodies) and local communities, state-owned and commercial entities. After the 1st-3rd "Be Healthy" (all-Belarus) contests, 25 initiative received support totalling to about €800,000 of EU funding. The winner initiatives demonstrate a high efficiency and innovative approaches to NCD prevention and HLS promotion; they provide showcases of the best practices in the area and allow replicating their experience in the other regions of Belarus. 

The active participation of state-owned and non-commercial organizations in the Contest of Initiatives was noted; once again, it proves both the relevance of these problems on the local level, as well as the eagerness and interest to address these problems and improve the health of our population. 

The new primary healthcare models are elaborated under the project in two pilot areas for the purposes of improving the prevention, diagnostics and control over the main NCDs. Some efforts have been made in improve the general practitioners' skills. 

The project is largely focused on the health of the coming generation. Medical personnel are trained in the provision of consultations to risk group adolescents on the healthy lifestyle, as well on prevention of their risky behaviour and injuries. Teenager-friendly medical centres operate in all regions of Belarus. The National Methodological Centre of Children's Health Monitoring has been established and operates at the Mother and Child National Research-to-Practice Centre. 

Some measures have been taken to reinforce the motherhood and childhood protection system, and the early intervention service, as well as to prevent children's diseases and children's injuries. 

A strategy has been developed to engage women in breast cancer screening, as well as to promote the healthy motherhood ideas. 

Points of Contact: Oleg Dubovik, Project Manager

+375 29 691 51 44, oleg.dubovik@undp.org

Project Website:

https://www.by.undp.org/content/belarus/ru/home/operations/projects/hiv_aids/BELMED.html

Links to the initiatives:

- Your Health is in Your Hands / Zdorovy Vybor NGO

Several series of exercise and healthy cooking tutorial videos were developed within the initiative. 

- Regional Safety Training Centre / Mahilioŭ Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

- Be Healthy with Birds/ BirdLife Belarus (APB) NGO

- Street Game Movement / Homieĺ Fathers' Council: https://newsgomel.by/news/society/semeynyy-festival-dvorovykh-igr-proshyel-v-gomele.html

- Eat Right, Lead an Active Life. It is Healthy and Meaningful / Jasieĺda Eco-Region, environmental NGO of Biaroza District

- Inclusive CrossFit / Lida Transdistrict Organisation of the Republican Association of Wheelchair Users: https://naviny.by/article/20191120/1574250354-inklyuzivnyy-krossfit-v-lide-sport-uluchshaet-zhizn-i-daet-novye

7. High Time! / Urban Development, social information institution

The High Time! video clip teaches 45+ men how to set new goals and live their dreams.