Bente Mikkelsen: As WHO, we stand ready to support you in addressing NCDs and mental health on the road to achieving the SDGs.

Bente Mikkelsen, Director NCD at World Health Organization, made the following LinkedIn post:

“The Second Annual Gathering for the Global NCD Compact convened Heads of State and Government to raise the priority on NCD prevention and control in the margins of UNGA78. The conversation with heads of state was very encouraging. To read the snapshots click here.

We are extremely grateful to ALL delegations who participated in the event and shared reflections on their country efforts to address NCDs and mental health. This offers great learning, but also inspiration, on moving the NCD agenda forward.

We heard from the Minister of Health of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon Terrence Deyalsingh, on key initiatives to increase physical activity and address other NCD risk factors like tobacco use and unhealthy diets in Trinidad and Tobago. The Hon Minister emphasized that the global community must work with the fast food industry to offer healthier food options.

The Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health of the Ministry of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates, Hon Hussain Abdulrahman Al Rand, noted the unique opportunity to raise key issues, including NCDs, during the Health Day taking place during COP28 this year.

The Assistant Minister for Health Affairs, Ministry of Public Health of the State of Qatar, Hon Salih Al Marri, discussed the power of joint efforts to introduce healthy food in sporting arenas, and particularly during large events such as the World Cup. The Hon Minister noted that discouraging smoking and alcohol consumption during such events can help increase attendance by additional groups, such as the elderly and children.

The Minister of Health of Ghana, Hon Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, reflected on the role and voice of Heads of State in health promotion initiatives, describing how inspirational remarks by the President of Ghana at an event influenced the sale of traditional fruits and vegetables in Ghana.

The Minister of Health of Rwanda, Hon Sabin Nsanzimana, further emphasized the need for Heads of State to lead by example to enable the introduction and adoption of health policies.

The Secretary of Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Hon Mr Dammu Ravi, noted the impact of India’s Ayushman Bharat initiative to cover 800 million people with health insurance and provide affordable medicines, which is helping the country tackle NCDs in a big way. The Hon Secretary spoke of cross-border collaboration to accelerate progress on manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

The Minister of Health of Jordan, Hon Firas Al Hawari, discussed the need for strong collaboration to address population health needs in the context of a refugee influx in Jordan, and the specific vulnerabilities that need to be considered.

Thank you to all Ministers and delegates for the powerful messages and calls to action. As WHO, we stand ready to support you in addressing NCDs and mental health on the road to achieving the SDGs.”

Source: Bente Mikkelsen/LinkedIn