Finding the Right Balance: Challenges in Optimising the Promise of Complexity Research for NCD Best-Buys Implementation and Adoption; Comment on “Barriers and Opportunities for WHO ‘Best Buys’ Non-Communicable Disease Policy Adoption and Implementation From a Political Economy Perspective: A Complexity Systematic Review”

Document Type : Commentary

Authors

1 Cluster on Chronic conditions and public policies, Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru, India

2 Director, Institute of Public Health, Bengaluru, India

Abstract

There is a growing interest in complexity research. A recent systematic review by Loffreda et al attempted to study the barriers and opportunities for the adoption and implementation of the ‘best buys’ for non-communicable diseases (NCD) from a political economy perspective. In this commentary we take forward the discussion on the NCD best-buys by comparing the findings of the article with one of the risk factors of tobacco use and its control in India. We reflect on the challenges in actualizing the promise of research methods and approaches while studying such complex interventions like the NCD best buys. The balance of studying complexity while still keeping the findings translatable at country levels. Future research could potentially use a comparative lens focusing on either industry/ government or actor behaviour across the different risk factors to facilitate cross learning, anticipate and pre-empt adverse policy decisions and implementation outcomes. 

Keywords



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 June 2025
  • Receive Date: 17 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 28 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 02 June 2025
  • First Publish Date: 03 June 2025