More on Non-Communicable Diseases

non-communicable diseases

The Lancet has just published its latest series on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).  This latest Series on NCDs builds on previous Lancet Series (2010, 2007, 2005), and on a landmark high-level United Nations NCD meeting convened in September 2011. The aim of the new Series is to set out clear plans for countrywide implementation of NCD plans in the post-millenium goal era, towards the unified goal of ’25 by 25’—reducing NCD mortality worldwide by 2025.

The first paper emphasizes the importance of embedding NCDs into post 2015 MDG strategy, essential if the ’25 by 25′ target is to be achieved; paper 2 details NCD countrywide approaches including planning, implementation, accountability, and the importance of a National NCD Commission to monitor progress. An affordable step-wise approach will be the key to successful NCD implementation. Other papers discuss reducing health inequalities, ‘unhealthy commodities’ such as the food and drink industries, and of the importance of the scaling-up of access to vital medicines, especially the need for wider availability of affordable generic drugs.  These articles are available to read:

  • Non-communicable diseases: 2015 to 2025
  • Independent global accountability for NCDs
  • NCDs: a challenge to sustainable human development
  • Embedding non-communicable diseases in the post-2015 development agenda
  • Country actions to meet UN commitments on non-communicable diseases: a stepwise approach
  • Inequalities in non-communicable diseases and effective responses
  • Profits and pandemics: prevention of harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food and drink industries
  • Promotion of access to essential medicines for non-communicable diseases: practical implications of the UN Political Declaration
  • Improving responsiveness of health systems to non-communicable diseases

See the Lancet Series

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