ABSTRACT
Background: Mongolia is one of the most influenced countries by non-communicable diseases among developing countries. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and injuries have become the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Mongolia.Goal: To assess impact of preventive intervention activities of non-communicable diseases in framework of the Millennium challenge account (MCA) health projectMethods: We conducted 17 focus group discussions (FGD) from March to April 2013 in primary and secondary health care settings, of which six in urban and eleven in rural areas.We identified themes concerning the current situation of NCD related health services from the perspective of health professionals, and insights into institutional and professional experiences related to management, implementation and coordination of the newly implemented MCA-Mongolia NCD prevention and control project.Results: As a result of the health project, NCD related knowledge and skills of health professionals have improved through progressive training, and development of guidelines and manuals. During the project, availability of equipment supplies has improved. Accordingly, medical equipment and laboratory reagents needed for early detection of NCDs were provided to primary and secondary health care settings, despite some challenges in the implementation of the project. As result of theproject implementation, increased public awareness on NCDs, and attitude change were considered as the biggest changes.Conclusion: The health project was considered as successful to provide knowledge on the best practice in NCD prevention.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We have reviewed the potential cancer preventive and other relevant properties of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, which has been traditionally used as a natural tonic in oriental countries. DATA IDENTIFICATION AND STUDY SELECTION: Publications on Panax ginseng and its relation to cancer were obtained from the Medline database (1983-2000) and by checking reference lists to find earlier reports. The reports cover experimental models and human studies on cancer-preventive activity, carcinogenicity and other beneficial or adverse effects. In addition, possible mechanisms of chemoprevention by ginseng were also considered. RESULTS: Published results from a cohort and two case-control studies in Korea suggest that the intake of ginseng may reduce the risk of several types of cancer. When ginseng was tested in animal models, a reduction in cancer incidence and multiplicity at various sites was noted. Panax ginseng and its chemical constituents have been tested for their inhibiting effect on putative carcinogenesis mechanisms (e.g., cell proliferation and apoptosis, immunosurveillance, angiogenesis); in most experiments inhibitory effects were found. CONCLUSION: While Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer has shown cancer preventive effects both in experimental models and in epidemiological studies, the evidence is currently not conclusive as to its cancer-preventive activity in humans. The available evidence warrants further research into the possible role of ginseng in the prevention of human cancer and carcinogenesis.