Insight

Erick Mahatara: Implementation research can ensure NCD interventions reach those in need

copenhagenconsensus.com

Mar 11, 2025, 09:08

Erick Mahatara: Implementation research can ensure NCD interventions reach those in need

Erick Mahatara, Intern at Project One Health, shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper by Kumanan Rasanathan et al. published in The Lancet:

“This morning, as I was perusing various articles, one in The Lancet caught my attention: ‘Non-communicable diseases: can implementation research change the game for policy and practice?’

The article emphasizes the critical role of implementation research in bridging the gap between evidence-based interventions and their practical application in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite the availability of effective strategies to prevent and manage NCDs, their widespread adoption remains limited.

The authors advocate for a stronger focus on implementation research to understand and address the barriers hindering the integration of these interventions into health policies and everyday practice.

Key Recommendations:

Strengthen Health Systems: Investing in robust health infrastructures that can support the seamless integration of NCD interventions.
Engage Communities: Involving local communities in the design and execution of health programs to ensure cultural relevance and acceptance.
Policy Alignment: Ensuring that health policies are adaptable and aligned with the dynamic needs of populations, facilitating the incorporation of new research findings.
Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to healthcare professionals to effectively implement and sustain NCD interventions.

By prioritizing implementation research, we can transform the landscape of NCD prevention and management, ensuring that proven interventions reach those who need them most.”

“Non-communicable diseases: can implementation research change the game for policy and practice?”

Authors: Kumanan Rasanathan, Phyllis Dako-Gyeke, Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai, Yodi Mahendradhata, Morven Roberts, Giulia Loffreda, Sarah Rylance, Bente Mikkelsen.

Erick Mahatara: Implementation research can ensure NCD interventions reach those in need