WHO calls for renewed effort to combat chronic disease

(HealthDay)—The World Health Organization (WHO) Independent High-Level Commission has proposed six recommendations to address the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to a report published online June 1 in The Lancet.

According to the Commission, nations are not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal for NCDs: to reduce premature deaths from NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes) by one-third by 2030, reduce premature mortality from NCDs, and promote mental health. Because of this, the Commission urges governments and heads of state to take bold actions to meet the goal.

The report includes six recommendations: (1) increased political leadership and responsibility from heads of state and governments; (2) prioritization and scaling up of a specific set of priorities within the overall NCD and mental health agenda; (3) identification of synergies within existing chronic care platforms; (4) increased government regulation and collaboration with the private sector and civil society; (5) increased financing of programs addressing NCDs; and (6) improved accountability to ensure commitments made by governments and the private sector are delivered.

"The challenge is not only to gain political support, but also to guarantee implementation, whether through legislation, norms and standards setting, or investment," the authors write. "There is no excuse for inaction, as we have evidence-based solutions."

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