The research article “Quick Buys for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases” explores cost-effective interventions that can produce measurable health benefits within five years. Despite the proven effectiveness of the WHO Best Buys for tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), their adoption has been inconsistent. This study introduces the concept of “quick buys”, identifying 25 interventions from a review of 49 cost-effective measures. These include strategies targeting tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer. By focusing on interventions with rapid public health impact, the study provides policymakers with evidence-based solutions that align with short-term political cycles and contribute to global health targets, particularly the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of reducing premature NCD mortality by one-third.
The findings underscore the potential for accelerated progress in combating NCDs through strategic policy decisions. The study highlights that 10 countries in the WHO European Region have already achieved the European Programme of Work’s target of a 25% reduction in premature NCD mortality by implementing comprehensive policies. However, the authors caution that “quick buys” should not be mistaken for “quick wins,” as these interventions, while cost-effective, may still pose implementation challenges. The study calls for further research on how successful countries have reduced NCD mortality and emphasises the need for natural experiments to evaluate intervention combinations and broader health outcomes.