WHO & Ministry of Family Welfare Call for Action on Universal Coverage for Non communicable diseases

New Delhi, 19 August 2011 – Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a global health and developmental emergency worldwide. NCDs have been silent killers and for too long not been highlighted in health and development agendas of countries. Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, etc. have achieved the status of dominant cause of death (about 8 out of 10 adult deaths in urban areas and 6 out of 10 deaths in rural areas, for example, are now due to NCDs). Mental health problems are also increasing in the country.

In order to address this growing concern and taking forward the agenda of universal coverage, prevention and control of NCDs in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are jointly organizing a 2-day national summit on Noncommunicable Diseases on 23-24 August 2011, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The summit will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers and eminent public health experts who are expected to sensitize about the problem of NCDs in the Country and deliberate on the current scenario vis – a – vis growing burden of NCDs and arrive at strategic conclusions and actions towards the end of the summit. The summit proposes to address critical issues such as - Universal coverage for NCDs, Health systems strengthening, Services required for tackling NCDs, Improving Legislation in NCDs prevention and control, Involving stakeholders in broad partnerships against NCDs, Role of other Ministries, civil society, professional associations, the industry & others, amongst other important issues and challenges.

“With the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs scheduled in September, 2011, the time is right to take a giant step in this field. Policy framework for prevention, control and universal coverage of NCDs in India is a clear need along with a multisectoral response to the problem of NCDs. A strengthened health system shall ensure health services to those in need. WHO strongly supports the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, expressed, Dr. Nata Menabde, WHO Representative to India.”