Dr Chen Ken, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in the South Pacific, has welcomed the UN resolution to prevent and control non-communicable diseases which was adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 May, 2010.
The UN Resolution calls for high level discussion by heads of governments and the international community on the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly for the low and middle-income countries. This discussion will incorporate NCDs in the review of the Millennium Development Goals in September 2010. The Secretary General will also provide a global status report on NCDs with a particular focus on developmental challenges faced by these countries.
NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease are linked to common risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and environmental carcinogens.
The Pacific is witnessing a dramatic increase in NCDs. More than 2.4 million people in the region are affected by NCDs. The Pacific has outpaced the world in mortality from NCD which now causes 75% of deaths, and there are indications that NCD-related mortality and morbidity are rising.
Dr Chen said: “Noncommunicable diseases are a dangerous epidemic threatening the health of Pacific island people. This resolution will ensure appropriate action in noncommunicable disease prevention and control in the Pacific, where it is most needed.”
In the 2007 Vanuatu Ministers of Health meeting, the ministers, in acknowledging the importance of socioeconomic and environmental determinants of the major risk factors, called for ‘whole society’ and ’whole of government’ approaches for the prevention of NCDs, finding effective means of communication, identifying national leaders and health workers to serve as role models, and enhancing capacity. The meeting called for the convening of a multisectoral Pacific regional food summit to address food and diet related factors. This was convened by WHO in partnership with other regional partners in April 2010, the main outcome of which is the draft Framework for Action on Food Security in the Pacific to be progressed for endorsement by the forum leaders.
In 2009 the Madang Commitment renewed the call to scale up actions at national level to address NCDs and to promote the use of the Healthy Islands Approach to implement integrated NCD prevention and control programmes.
The “Pacific NCD Forum” will be held in Nadi, Fiji, from 21 – 23 June, organized by WHO and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). The workshop, 'From Evidence to Action', will involve representatives from all countries in the Pacific region and will focus on utilising current evidence to implement proven strategies and encourage people to change lifestyle habits to stop chronic diseases.
The UN Resolution is an opportunity also for WHO to strengthen its efforts to support countries in their fight against NCDs and calls on Government, community, and non-government organizations to work together in achieving this goal.
For more information, please contact:
Dr Li Dan, NCD Medical Officer, WHO Office for the South Pacific, on (679) 3234 103 or email LiD@wpro.who.int
Dr Temo Waqanivalu, Technical Officer, Nutrition and Physical Activities, WHO Office for the South Pacific, on (679) 3234 147 or email WaqanivaluT@wpro.who.int