The unit is currently engaged in setting priorities and identifying specific evidence-based activities over the next five years (2022 – 2027) for the prevention and control of NCDs and Mental health on the continent. With support from partners, a reproductive health unit is being established to strengthen reproductive health building on existing initiatives such as the workforce development and Community healthcare workers (CHWs) programs.
The main objectives to be achieved by this unit are as follows:
- To support countries to promote governance, health promotion and protection policies to reduce the NCDs/Mental ill-health morbidity and mortality
- To develop and strengthen coordinated surveillance systems for Member States to collect routine data on major NCDs/Mental ill-health and their risk factors and promote data-sharing mechanisms with relevant stakeholders at country, regional and continental level.
- To facilitate the implementation of health systems strengthening policies and programmes in Member States for expanding quality basic NCDs/Mental health services including access to quality, efficacious and affordable medicines, treatments and technologies and their integration into primary healthcare systems towards UHC
- Strengthen Member States workforce’s ability to identify and address NCDs/Mental ill-health and improve surveillance, prevention, and control