FARE has provided feedback on a World Health Organization (WHO) discussion paper on the development of an Implementation roadmap 2023–2030 for the Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2030.
Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are long lasting conditions that have an ongoing impact on those affected. Also known as chronic diseases, they include health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and stroke.
NCDs kill approximately 41 million people worldwide each year, of which nearly one-third are considered preventable because they occur as a result of behaviours that are known to increase the risk of NCDs. These risk factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and alcohol use. By modifying these behaviours, we can reduce the prevalence of chronic disease and improve health and wellbeing within the community.
FAREs submission welcomed efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to accelerate progress on actions to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in response to the lack of progress so far. In particular, FARE welcomed the prioritisation of the most effective measures to reduce the impact of harm from NCDs and the inclusion of commitments to improve mental health and wellbeing, since alcohol is a risk factor for mental illness.
FARE remains concerned about the potential for the alcohol industry and related organisations to derail efforts to reduce alcohol harm and therefore has recommended actions to prevent this from occurring. Other key recommendations include prioritising the WHO Best Buys to reduce the impact of NCDs and engaging people with lived experience in the policy and evaluation process.
To see the full list of recommendations, read the FARE Submission:
