title: Addressing non-communicable diseases in the Seychelles: towards a comprehensive plan of action.
abstract: This article reviews the different steps taken during the past 20 years for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Seychelles. National surveys revealed high levels of several cardiovascular risk factors and prompted an organized response, starting with the creation of an NCD unit in the Ministry of Health. Information campaigns and nationwide activities raised awareness and rallied increasingly broad and high-level support. Significant policy was developed including comprehensive tobacco legislation and a School Nutrition Policy that bans soft drinks in schools. NCD guidelines were developed and specialized 'NCD nurses' were trained to complement doctors in district health centers. Decreasing smoking prevalence is evidence of success, but the raising so-called diabesity epidemic calls for an integrated multi-sector policy to mould an environment conducive to healthy behaviors. Essential components of these efforts include: effective surveillance mechanisms supplemented by focused research; generating broad interest and consensus; mobilizing leadership and commitment at all levels; involving local and international expertise; building on existing efforts; and seeking integrated, multi-disciplinary and multi-sector approaches.
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health and Social Development, Victoria, Republic of Seychelles. bovet.pascal@gmail.com
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bovet
authors.forename: Bharathi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Viswanathan
authors.forename: Conrad
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shamlaye
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Romain
authors.forename: Jude
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gedeon
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006291:Health Policy; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000639:trends*; D011315:Preventive Medicine / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends; D016730:Program Development; D012750:Seychelles / Q000453:epidemiology; D000078329:Workforce