A study looking at the UN Thematic Working Group on NCD Prevention and Control (TWG) in Thailand has just been published. It indicates that the Thematic Working Group has been an important mechanism for scaling up action on NCDs in Thailand and is an example of best practice globally. The report describes the work of the Thematic Working Group, and its successes and challenges.
The report describes lessons learnt and makes recommendation for Thailand and other countries. They are as follows: (i) high-level commitment by all stakeholders ensures motivation, momentum and change – the UN can play a catalytic role as a mobilizer and integrator; (ii) The NCD coordination mechanism should be given the same decision making power as ministerial departments and government agencies; (iii) consider extending membership of the TWG to the private sector, recognizing its role in mobilizing wide support and shaping policy on NCDs and their risk factors; (iv) consider integrating NCD coordination mechanisms into broader country-specific development frameworks or multisectoral networks toc use synergies and avoid duplication; (v) the targets and goals of NCD coordination mechanisms should be agreed when the TWG is established; (vi) communication, advocacy and outreach ensure that NCD prevention and control strategies are accepted by non-health ministries and communities; and (vii) human and financial resources for the secretariats of NCD coordination mechanisms are essential for effective coordination, progress and success
Gita Sabharwal, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand said, ‘Thailand’s thematic working group on NCDs is a unique mechanism that allows multi-stakeholder engagement, across Line Ministries, and beyond the Ministry of Public Health and the UN. It is a global best practice, which was acknowledged by the UN Secretary General at the ECOSOC. Other countries are examining how they can emulate this mechanism’.
The report can be accessed here