NCD initiatives

In 2011 WHO organized the First global ministerial conference on healthy lifestyles and NCDs control. Based on The Global strategy for the prevention and control of NCDs and its action plan, the conference aimed at supporting Member States to develop and strengthen policies and programmes on healthy lifestyles and NCD prevention. 

The forum report describes the objectives, content and the meeting  outcomes  that would help to move NCD prevention and control forward ( p.19) Here are some key outcomes:

−There was broad agreement that NCD prevention and control is critical to national development (health, social and economic) and effective development cannot occur without addressing NCDs.

– Better epidemiological surveillance of NCDs is critical to demonstrate the extent of the problem and empower government action based on evidence and to monitor progress.

Health systems strengthening, including adequate and well-trained supply of health worker, should focus on integration across disease areas and particularly on community-based primary health care.

Implementing the agreed ‘best buys’, e.g. raising taxes on tobacco and alcohol are key opportunities to reduce risk factors and, potentially, generate revenue that can be used to tackle NCDs

 

The tremendous gap in death rates due to NCD

Non communicable diseases (NCD), such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases represent a new epidemic worldwide.

NCD kill more than 36 million people each year. Nine million of all deaths attributed to NCD occur before the age of 60; 90% of these “premature” deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. (WHO fact sheet)

The difference in death rates due to NCD between countries shows once again the major inequities existing around the world  in term of access to prevention and treatment services for the population, for the same diseases.

WHO’s interactive map shows the NCD death rates around the world. access map here

Switzerland :292/100.000 population   USA:  413/100.000

Swaziland: 702/100.000   Haiti: 725/100.000   Laos 680.000/100.000

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs355/en/