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