Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and are responsible for a high burden of disease. Many countries have developed national strategies for the management and prevention of NCDs in order to improve the care of chronically ill people or to prevent NCDs. This report aims to provide an overview of national NCD strategies from selected countries and their implementation as well as to summarise evaluation findings on specific programmes. The focus was on cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes type II, and depression.

A comprehensive, structured hand search was conducted in various databases and websites for national strategies on the four NCDs. According to predefined criteria, 18 strategies from eight countries (Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia) were selected (Part I). Programmes were either identified directly from the strategies or researched through other sources. Eleven programmes were selected for detailed analysis. To identify all published studies on these programmes, a systematic literature search was conducted in six databases, and 21 articles were included (Part II).

The included NCD strategies differ considerably in terms of level of detail, structure and implementation. All strategies include information on planned activities, but only a few provide detailed information on these interventions, including their evaluation. The eleven selected programmes included mainly prevention and disease management interventions. Most evaluations showed positive effects in terms of effectiveness and/or implementation; however, some studies have not been able to demonstrate significant improvements.

A structured approach from the macro to the micro level seems crucial for a comprehensive, coordinated overall policy. Policies and programmes should be evaluated regularly using appropriate methods to measure target achievement and (long-term) effectiveness. Appropriate evaluation approaches should be developed before specific programmes are introduced. The report focused mainly on interventions within the health sector and on adults as a target group. However, for the prevention and management of NCDs, it is important to start in early childhood and to adequately consider the social determinants of health with a "Health in All Policies" approach.