Factors Influencing Health System Response to Non-Communicable Diseases Management

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute significantly to the global disease burden, accounting for approximately 74% of deaths globally (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). In Kenya, they accounted for 39% of all deaths, and over 50% of hospital admissions as of 2020 (Ministry of Health [MOH], 2021). Despite these statistics, the health system’s readiness and capacity to manage NCDs at the county level, particularly in underserved regions, such as Wajir County, remains inadequately understood. This study investigates the factors influencing the health system’s response to NCD management in Wajir County. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 83 in-charges of public healthcare facilities, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests and Kendall’s Tau-b correlation, were used to analyze data and assess the strength and significance of associations. Results show that workforce capacity, healthcare financing, access to health products and technologies, service delivery, and health information systems significantly impact the responsiveness of the health system. Moreover, leadership, manifested through supervision and guideline dissemination, moderates these relationships significantly (Kendall’s Tau-b increased from 0.313 to 0.394 with moderation). The interaction of each factor with leadership policies, supervision, and guidelines yields stronger associations with the NCD response. For example, workforce + policy composite had a Tau-b = 0.180, while financing + policy composite had a Taub-b = 0.178, confirming the moderating effect. This study provides a critical analysis of health systems’ systemic barriers, and underscores the importance of strengthening health systems through workforce development, sustainable financing, technological investment, robust data systems, and effective leadership, to achieve national and global NCD targets.