NCDs: Call for Key Actions

The two global events fast approaching, and which are expected to play a decisive role for the  survival of the human race, are: 65th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 21-26 May, 2012,  and the Rio+20 conference on Sustainable Development at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on 20-22 June 2012.

Though apparently the two events seem to be different in subjects, they are intricately related.


Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of global concern as they are increasing at a fast rate, already having acquired the status of a global epidemic, and  are in particular a threat to the developing world.  If the populations are suffering due to the morbidity and mortality inflicted by NCDs, the countries can not develop. Thus NCDs are a  health challenge and as well as a development issue.

The word community, however, has got hold of the problem right. The Political Declaration of the September 2011 special session of the UN General Assembly on NCDs has already agreed on the need for taking up a concerted effort for prevention and control of NCDs. Secondly, the global community is advocating incorporation of prevention and control of NCDs as an agenda for  the  Rio+20 conference for achieving sustainable human development.

The world governments are sensitive about the NCDs and development issues, and are willing to take up the right steps. The international organizations like 'NCD Alliance', NGOs community, and NCDs advocates are concerned that the issues in hand be taken in all seriousness, and reach the stage of implementation and fulfilment of assigned targets.

I, therefore, through this post, reiterate what 'NCD Alliance' has recently urged all of us to advocate. Therefore, with an environment of cooperation and willingness prevailing in the  global community  we have every reason to succeed in achieving our goals if we stand with a clear focus. On this front, the 'NCD Alliance' demand for a set of minimum key actions  at both the events is a step in the right direction.


The forthcoming 65th WHA is a critical step after the September 2o11 to decide upon the commitments of the Political Declaration. Besides, the following Rio+ conference in June 2012, is an event to get  prevention and control of NCDs recognised as a development need. In view of these  the 'NCD Alliance' and its partners have demanded following actions from the world leaders assembling at the WHA and Rio+ conferences :

Adopt a set of 'Global NCD Targets':

• Adopt an overall target to reducing preventable deaths due to NCDs by 25% by 2025, at the 65th WHA this May, and set a target for a minimum of 80% availability of affordable, quality-assured essential NCDs' medicines and technologies.

• Reinstate and adopt the targets recommend by WHO on alcohol, trans-fats, obesity, multidrug therapy and salt reduction and agree to reporting progress every two years.  

Unite fragmented efforts under a 'Global Coordinating Platform': 

•  Support the establishment of a Global Coordinating Platform on NCDs which includes Member States, UN agencies, civil society and the private sector (with safeguards against conflict of interest) with a mandate to develop a global plan for NCDs.

Put NCDs at the heart of development:

• Ensure NCDs are included in the outcomes of this June’s UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio, which will be a key process in determining the post-2015 Development Goals.

I therefore urge upon all our governments and, in particular, the Indian government, through this post on this blog, for an appropriate  action consistent with the international concerns and thinking, for adoption of above targets.