5. Cost–Effective Strategies for Noncommunicable Diseases, Risk Factors, and Behaviors

In 1972, Finland had the world's highest mortality rate from CVD. Planners examined policy and environmental factors contributing to CVD and sought appropriate changes, such as increased availability of low-fat dairy products, antismoking legislation, and improved school meals. They used the media, schools, worksites, and spokespersons from sports, education, and agriculture to educate residents. After five years, significant improvements were documented in smoking, cholesterol, and blood pressure. By 1992, CVD mortality rates for men age 35 to 64 had dropped by 57 percent. The program was so successful that it was expanded to include other lifestyle-related diseases and was used as a model for public health planners throughout the country and elsewhere. Twenty years later, major reductions in CVD risk factor levels, morbidity, and mortality were attributed to the project. Recent data show a 75 percent decrease in CVD mortality (Puska and others 1998).

Source: DCP2, chapter 44, p. 837.