Look for Drugs and Conditions

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO

8 points to save millions from NCD related death

Rohit Shishodia
An independent high level commission has recommended eight points to the World Health Organization (WHO) which can save millions of lives from non-communicable diseases and also promote mental health. The recommendations have been submitted to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO.

The commission, which consists of doctors and experts on NCDs, was convened by Dr Tedros in October 2017 to identify innovative ways to curb the world’s leading causes of death: cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, respiratory diseases and mental health conditions.

The recommendations include ensuring that no one falls into poverty due to out of pocket expenditure on healthcare through welfare schemes of the governments. They also focus on promotion of mental health through awareness programs. Experts emphasize that poor mental health impacts overall health of individuals.

The commission has advised WHO that they should encourage heads of governments to fulfil their commitment to provide strategic leadership by involving all relevant government departments, businesses, civil society groups as well as health professionals and people at risk from or suffering from NCDs and mental health conditions.

The commission has pointed out that the WHO should support countries in efforts to empower individuals to make healthy choices, including by ensuring that the environment is conducive to living a healthy life, and that people receive the information they need to make healthy choices.

The panel has also suggested that countries should be encouraged to invest in the prevention and control of NCDs and mental health conditions as a key opportunity to enhance human capital and accelerate economic growth.

“The WHO should advise countries to include services to prevent and treat NCDs and mental health as essential components of Universal Health Coverage,” stated the experts in a report.

The panel recommended that the WHO should increase engagement with businesses and provide technical support to member states so that they can mount effective national responses to NCDs and mental health conditions.

“The WHO should encourage governments to promote meaningful engagement with civil society. It should advocate the establishment of a multi-donor trust fund to support countries in activities to reduce NCDs and promote mental health,” advised the experts.

The panel has said that non communicable diseases still account for more than 70% of deaths and stressed that, “progress against NCDs and mental health conditions must be greatly accelerated if the 2030 Agenda is to succeed.” It also noted that many countries face challenges and need more support to implement solutions.


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