Noncommunicable disease prevention and control (Resolution)

NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL The Regional Committee, Acknowledging the significant and growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD), especially cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases and mental health conditions, on public health and socioeconomic development in the Western Pacific; Recognizing that noncommunicable diseases share common risk factors and social determinants, and that a comprehensive, evidence-based and multisectoral approach is essential to reduce the Region's NCD burden; Further recognizing that government leadership and political commitment are essential to coordinate the necessary multisectoral response to the regional NCD burden; Further acknowledging that diet, physical activity and healthy behaviours involve complex personal choices and that healthy choices lessen the impact of noncommunicable diseases; Noting that cost-effective interventions exist and need to be prioritized in countries; Affirming that the strengthening of health systems is fundamental to address noncommunicable diseases in particular, through the integration of NCD prevention and control into primary health care and community-based interventions using the chronic care model; .../ WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE R E S O L U T I O N REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC COMITE REGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL WPR/RC59.R5 25 September 2008 WPR/RC59.R5 page 2 Deeply concerned that investments in NCD prevention and control remain inadequate within the Region, despite the growing burden; Recognizing that the Western Pacific Regional Action Plan for Noncommunicable Diseases provides a framework for implementing the global and regional mandates that support NCD prevention and control, including the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases: Implementation of the Global Strategy endorsed by Member States at the recently concluded Sixty- first World Health Assembly; the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health; the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; the Western Pacific Declaration on Diabetes; the Western Pacific Regional Strategy to Reduce Alcohol-related Harm; and the Pacific Framework for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, 1. ENDORSES the Western Pacific Regional Action Plan for Noncommunicable Diseases;1 2. URGES Member States: (1) to support and implement the recommended actions contained in the Regional Action Plan in a manner appropriate to each country's burden and consistent with national circumstances; (2) to situate noncommunicable diseases high on the national health agenda and to mobilize support at regional, national and community levels; (3) to invest in strengthening health systems to more effectively respond to the challenge of NCD prevention and control; (4) to develop national and cross-country multisectoral mechanisms for networking, collaboration and information dissemination in the area of noncommunicable diseases; 1 Annex 1 of document WPR/RC59/6. WPR/RC59.R5 page 3 (5) to encourage and support citizens to take responsibility for their own health, including adopting healthy behaviours; 3. REQUESTS the Regional Director: (1) to consistently situate noncommunicable diseases as a priority for the regional public health agenda and to mobilize support for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases among relevant regional partners and stakeholders, including the private sector; (2) to expand technical support to Member States in selecting and implementing strategic actions to reduce the NCD burden, based on the Regional Action Plan, and in adapting and strengthening national health systems to more effectively respond to noncommunicable diseases; (3) to establish a regional multisectoral mechanism for networking, collaboration and information dissemination in the area of noncommunicable diseases. Seventh meeting, 25 September 2008 WPR/RC59/SR/7