The United Nations has announced it will establish a new task force to drive forward its action plan on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It will coordinate the activities of all UN organizations, to implement the World Health Organization’s Global Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs.
The plan aims to achieve nine global targets, including a 25% reduction in premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases by 2025. It also provides a menu of policy options for member states, WHO, NGOs and the private sector to implement collectively.
New WHO estimates show that three of the four leading causes of death worldwide are linked to cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
WCPT has welcomed the promise of action. The UN has said it will define and agree on a common system-wide division of roles and responsibilities to efficiently support national country efforts to address NCDs in the coming year.
“Physical therapists should be an instrumental part of plans to address the growing global burden of NCDs – both in preventing them through exercise prescription, and by treating those affected,” said Marilyn Moffat, WCPT President.
“WCPT will continue to do all it can to support the involvement of physical therapists as national plans to address NCDs develop.”