Non-communicable diseases prevention through community mobilization

Abstract

An introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are a serious macro-economic burden for Belarus. About 90% of all deaths in the country are due to NCDs (63% - cardiovascular diseases). Behavior change is an important element of NCD prevention. Practice change implemented. In order to reduce the impact of NCDs on individuals and society BRC implemented the project "Community action for Health" supported by SRC. The project is aimed at behavior change of individual community members through introducing a change from "non-organized" members of community to community volunteer groups (CVGs) with extension of the "effect" to wider circle of people in community. Aim and theory of change. The aim is engaging people and communities in and empowering for healthier life style through setting up CVGs, united around key community needs/priorities in the area of healthy life style.