Implementing a package of noncommunicable disease interventions in the Republic of Moldova: Two-year follow-up data

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing challenge in the Republic of Moldova. A previously reported pilot cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing and evaluating essential interventions for NCDs (e.g. cardiovascular risk scoring, hypertension management, statin treatment, etc.) in primary health care in the Republic of Moldova, with a view toward national scale up. One-year follow-up data (previously published) demonstrated modest improvements in NCD risk factor identification and management could be achieved. Herein, we report the second-year follow-up data and conclude that sustainable improvements in NCD risk factor control (e.g. hypertension control) can be achieved in primary health care in low resource settings by adapting existing resources (e.g. WHO PEN) and conducting focused clinical training and support. If scaled to a national level, these improvements in risk factor control could significantly translate to reductions in premature mortality from NCDs.