Public Health actions planning based on Territorial Health Profiles in Moldova

Background

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) is the main cause of mortality (87%) in the Republic of Moldova. A multisectoral approach and evidence-based planning tailored to the local context is essential for public health interventions. In this context, the National Program on NCDs was approved by the Government Decision 129/2023, and the Territorial Health Profiles (THPs) were developed with support of the Swiss-Moldovan Healthy Life Project.

Methods

An analysis of 42 health and wellbeing indicators from the TPHs of the 37 administrative territorial units (35 districts and 2 municipalities), including demographic, health and socioeconomic status, behavioral and environmental determinants and risk factors for the period of 2013-2024 was conducted.

Results

The THPs data of the last 5 years, shows an important regional and gender disparities, particularly in adult population (+18 years), with approximately twice higher mortality among men. There is a decreasing trend in mortality from acute and chronic ischemic heart disease (25%) but an increasing obesity prevalence among adults (by 30%). The THPs data were used for the evidence-based planning in 37 administrative territorial units and 110 target communities, involving local public authorities and stockholders and more than 300 public health events addressing NCDs risk factors and social determinants, empowering communities in health promotion and behavior change, including health education and counselling, screening activities and involving more than 33 thousand people, were organized.

Conclusions

The THPs contribute to the monitoring of health indicators trends and identifying local / regional risk factors, highlighting a public health challenge that requires coordinated interventions. Evidence-based planning consolidates intersectoral collaboration, promoting public health governance and multisectoral approach for creating supportive environments and strengthening community participation.

Key messages

• Improved public health governance and intersectoral collaboration by engaging local authorities, health professionals, and community stakeholders in health assessment and evidence-based planning.

• Created supportive environments and consolidated community-driven, data-informed strategies and empowered communities to take ownership of health promotion and behavior change.