The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Health Promotion in Pakistan: a historical perspective

Heartfile is recognized for its pioneering contribution in the area of non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, control and health promotion. In the initial states of its development, Heartfile used innovative approaches of advocacy, leveraging social marketing and the use of media . This and other advocacy approaches enabled it to convince the government of the need for a public health programme on NCDs in Pakistan.

Subsequently, Heartfile became part of a tripartite public-private partnership involving the Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan, and the World Health Organization for development and implementation of a National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Health Promotion in Pakistan (NAP-NCD). Details about the  terms of this agreement , launching of the initiative , planning meetings leading to its development  and the release of the NAP-NCD are posted online. Heartfile also took a lead role in helping to initiate the process of implementation of this plan on a pro bono basis; various stages of implementation of the pilot can be viewed. Heartfile's current objective is to institutionalize this programme in the Ministry of Health The NAP-NCD can also be  downloaded