Mitigating The Burden Of Diabetes In Sub-Saharan Africa Through An Integrated Diagonal Health Systems Approach

Figures & data

Figure 1 Functional diabetes care system as a framework for comprehensive population health.

Figure 2 WHO health system building blocks as a framework for functional diabetes care system.

Table 1 Shared Challenges Between Diabetes And Other NCDs In SSA, Potential Solutions Through The Use Of A Diagonal Approach And Feasibility

Shared Challenges Between Diabetes And Other NCDs In SSA	Potential Solutions	Feasibility
Limited translation of policy declarations into tangible improvements in patient outcomes	Introduce policies which holistically address the drivers of NCDs and link policy advocacy to appropriate resource allocation	High (long-term impact)
Increasing burden of disease	Implementation of comprehensive prevention and awareness programs	High (long-term impact)
Lack of efforts to introduce vertical programs to address specific NCDs	Utilize a diagonal approach that improves the responsiveness of the health system to NCDS	High (long-term impact)
Complications of diseases impact multiple organ systems	NCD care benefits from enhancements in care designed to address diabetes complications	High (long-term impact)
Limited funding from national governments to specifically address NCDs	Incorporation of NCDs within government-backed universal health coverage programs which distribute costs across the entire population	High (immediate impact)
Inefficient, ineffective supply chain systems with limited access to vital commodities	Introduction of novel supply chain systems which subsidize costs and ensure uninterrupted availability	High (immediate impact)
Limited availability of a formally trained health workforce capable of managing the growing population with these diseases	Scale-up of task-shifted models for chronic disease service delivery which align the acuity of patient needs with the appropriate level of provider	High (immediate impact)
Poorly organized data for NCDs	Introduction of electronic health information systems to improve tracking, quality of care, and planning	High (immediate impact)