New network aims to combat non-communicable diseases

The new Global Non-Communicable Disease Network (NCDnet) will unite currently fragmented efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, by bringing the cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes and respiratory communities together with tobacco control, healthy diets and physical activity advocates.

According to Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Assistant Director-General for Non-Communicable Diseases, integrating the prevention of non-communicable diseases into the national and global development agenda should be a priority. The formation of the network indicates that there is growing recognition of the fact that non-communicable diseases represent a growing economic and social challenge for many developed and developing countries. Globally, non-communicable diseases cause 38 million deaths annually and together with injuries are responsible for 70% of all deaths, with 80% of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.

The network will attempt to address some of the key challenges facing policy makers, such as how to address the links between non-communicable diseases and poverty, how to minimise the health and economic losses among the economically active population, and how to prepare for the pressures on health systems resulting from growing numbers of people with non-communicable diseases.

The WHO forecasts that globally, deaths from non-communicable are likely to increase by 17% over the next 10 years, with the greatest increases projected in the African region (27%) followed by the Eastern Mediterranean (25%).

For more information

World Health Organization

International Diabetes Federation

World Heart Federation

International Union Against Cancer

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