This national strategy will focus on the four major NCDs, which account for 82% of NCD-related deaths (cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease), as well as the four common modifiable risk factors they are associated with (smoking, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity). Broader definitions of NCDs are recognised, including injuries and mental illness, as well as those conditions referred to in the Brazzaville Declaration (hemoglobinopathies, oral disease, eye disease, rheumatic heart disease). While these conditions are important, the approach taken in this strategy was to maintain a narrow focus in order to address the areas of highest burden and areas with the greatest gaps, and facilitate effective implementation of their ‘best buys’ interventions. The purpose of this strategy is thus:

• To identify national priorities for addressing NCDs, with emphasis on prevention, primary care, holistic approaches and multi-sectoral participation

• To outline a roadmap of efforts and critical activities that will be integrated by various stakeholders in addressing NCDs

• To identify primary indicators and targets in order to assess impact of efforts