WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL, DR MARGARET CHAN, CALLS FOR A FOCUSED AND FORCEFUL POLICY RESPONSE TO NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES
On 24 February, WHO held its first Global Forum of the Noncommunicable Disease Network (NCDnet). Key stakeholder groups were convened to address the large-scale and increasing global health and development burden posed by NCDs. More than 100 representatives from all stakeholder groups and geographic regions, including HRH Princess Haya Al Hussein of Jordan, and HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Duchess of Brabant, and high-ranking policy makers and officials met to address the NCD gap in the development agenda and the mobilization of support.
Noncommunicable diseases account for 60% of global deaths
NCDs, including heart disease and strokes, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, account for 60% of all global deaths. This represents 35 million deaths worldwide out of 58.7 million of which the majority occur in low- and middle-income countries (28.1 million). In developing countries alone, an estimated 8 million NCD deaths per year are premature (below 60 years old) and could be potentially prevented. WHO forecasts that between 2006 and 2015, NCD deaths will increase worldwide by 17%, with the greatest increase projected for the African region (24%) followed by the Eastern Mediterranean region (23%).
“Diseases once associated with abundance are now heavily concentrated in poor and disadvantaged groups. Developing countries have the greatest vulnerability and the least resilience,” said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO. “Many developing countries are where affluent countries were some decades ago. As we know, many of these countries have mounted successful campaigns against heart disease and cancers. The sharing of these experiences is another compelling reason for intersectoral collaboration through an initiative such as NCDnet.”
Network to focus on prevention and control
NCDnet is a voluntary collaborative network comprised of Member States, donors, philanthropic foundations, UN agencies, NGOs and the private sector. It aims to increase focus on the prevention and control of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries through collective advocacy, increase resource availability and promote effective stakeholder global and regional action with the aim to strengthen national capacity.
Proven solutions now exist to prevent premature deaths from preventable NCDs by implementing interventions to reduce tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol.
It is also key to strengthen health systems to enable them to respond more efficiently to the health needs of people. NCDs impose a heavy burden on people living in low- and middle-income countries. The cost of healthcare and treatment can push people below the poverty line very quickly.
“We have affordable and workable solutions for all countries available today to start to halt the trend,” said Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Assistant Director-General, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. “Low- and middle-income countries are asking for our urgent support. We also know that changing people’s life-style habits is a long-term process but this is all the more reason why these should be addressed now”.
Dr Alwan was confident that “Participants will address the NCD gap in the health and development agenda, the limited aid and expertise available and will accelerate the implementation of the NCD Action Plan in developing countries”.
Janet Voûte, WHO Partnerships Advisor, emphasized that “providing effective responses to the global threat of noncommunicable diseases requires strong international partnerships like the one with the World Heart Federation and its members. WHO is grateful for the strong support of the World Heart Federation."
Mobilizing World Heart Federation members to lobby on a national level
The World Heart Federation is actively involved in NCDnet and, along with its
sister organizations, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), has launched a campaign to push for international action to combat the epidemic of NCDs. Helen Alderson, Chief Executive Officer of the World Heart Federation highlighted “our campaign is really building momentum now. It supports the NCDnet goals and the WHO Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs by mobilizing the voice and expertise of our 730 member associations to link global advocacy with diverse national needs and priorities. The lobbying efforts of our members in the run up to the November 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago resulted in Commonwealth Heads of Government issuing a special statement on NCDs which included a call for a United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on NCDs. Many member organizations are lobbying their governments to support a resolution for a UNGASS currently being put forward at the United Nations by CARICOM (Caribbean Community of States).”
Further information
• Partnership activities with IDF and UICC
• Commonwealth leaders landmark statement on NCDs
• NCDnet Forum meeting documents and speeches
