PONE-D-23-35754Assessing capacities to strengthen intersectoral collaboration in Territorial Public Health Councils in the Republic of MoldovaPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Prytherch,

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André Luis C Ramalho, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

1. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The manuscript must describe a technically sound piece of scientific research with data that supports the conclusions. Experiments must have been conducted rigorously, with appropriate controls, replication, and sample sizes. The conclusions must be drawn appropriately based on the data presented.

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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3. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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4. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)

Reviewer #1: After careful consideration (complete reading of the entire manuscript and analysis of the data collection instrument and all graphs and tables in the supplementary file), I believe the manuscript is scientifically suitable for the journal.

Reviewer #2: The article is well written and identifies the situation and needs. To improve the content and messages of the article, it is recommended to use the following framework in the discussion.

This is only a recommendation and important parts of the framework can be used in the discussion.

WHO Framework on Multi-sectoral Action for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and Mental Health

This framework includes the following parts:

1. Governance and Accountability:

• Seeking a mandate, endorsement or supportive legislation for MSA

• Leveraging existing cross-sectoral policies or plans

• Establishing multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms

• Ensuring public accountability

• Developing reporting structures and accountability measures

2. Leadership at all levels:

• Networking with professionals

• Identifying champions

• Establishing incentives or recognition (for/of good multi-sectoral collaboration)

• Setting standards for MSA

• Acknowledging the commitments of other sectors

3. Ways of working:

• Developing communication tools, processes, or activities (to build trust)

• Implementing formal/informal activities that nurture relationship-building

• Establishing knowledge-collaboration activities

• Including diverse stakeholders

4. Resources and capabilities:

• Having dedicated personnel working on MSA strategies

• Encouraging dedicated funding to support MSAs on NCDs

• Strategically building capacity.

Using this framework in the discussion of the article will convey clear messages to the policy makers. If you can't find the framework online, please email me and I will send it to you. ah.bakhtyari@gmail.com

If you have a clear policy recommendation that results from your findings, please briefly mention it at the end

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Reviewer #1: Yes: Abel Silva de Meneses

Reviewer #2: Yes: Ahad Bakhtiari

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Assessing capacities to strengthen intersectoral collaboration in Territorial Public Health Councils in the Republic of Moldova

PONE-D-23-35754R1

Dear Dr. Prytherch,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

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Kind regards,

André Luis C Ramalho, PhD

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Reviewers' comments: