A Review of National Response to Noncommunicable Diseases through a Health System Readiness Lens in Ethiopia: From Policy to Practice

Background Ethiopia faces an increasing issue with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory conditions. Although national policies and strategies have been developed to address this issue, their implementation is hindered by systemic issues within the health sector. Method This study reviewed peer-reviewed literature to evaluate Ethiopia’s national NCD policies and prevention strategies through the lens of health system readiness. 50 studies were chosen based on relevance, empirical rigor, and focus on policy implementation and service delivery outcomes. Analysis was conducted for only 10 of the selected 50 studies. Data extraction focused on policy areas, health system capacity, behavioral risk factors, and implementation challenges. Results Findings show that while national frameworks exist for integrated NCD management and reducing behavioral risks, implementation has been inconsistent and underfunded. Major obstacles include a lack of essential medicines, diagnostics, and trained staff, particularly in primary healthcare. Urban facilities demonstrated better readiness than those in rural areas, leading to service disparities. Most reviewed policies lacked strong enforcement mechanisms, cross-sector coordination, and sustainable funding. Despite some pilot programs, no study has documented full implementation or substantial improvements in health outcomes tied to national NCD policies. Conclusion Ethiopia’s current response to NCDs is limited by health system challenges and gaps between policy and practice. Strengthening primary health care infrastructure, increasing domestic funding, improving governance across sectors, and boosting service readiness are crucial for achieving fair and effective NCD care.