Reducing the burden of chronic diseases: a neglected agenda in Iranian health care system, requiring a plan for action.

Chronic non-communicable diseases cause substantial morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. Current studies indicate an increasing burden of chronic diseases in the near future, especially in developing countries. Chronic diseases have received much less attention than infectious diseases in Iran's health care system, which is a major cause for concern. Data on the dimensions of the epidemic and its health impact and financial burden in Iran are not adequate. A comprehensive action plan should start with a comprehensive research plan and should end in a multi-faceted intervention plan, involving the entire health network in Iran. Studies in some developed countries have demonstrated that a comprehensive intervention will lead to a reduction in the burden of chronic diseases in a relatively short time. The effect of such interventions and the methods to implement them should be tested in Iran's health system too.