Hayley Jones, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre on Law and Noncommunicable Disease, shared on LinkedIn:
“Three days of thoughtful discussion, practical ideas and shared commitment at the 3rd meeting of the NCD Technical Advisory Group for the Western Pacific Region.
Days 2 and 3 focused on action – particularly on hypertension, strengthening primary health care and health financing. A key question throughout was: what practical actions should WHO prioritise over the next two years to best support countries to achieve their targets?
We had an inspiring session on the elimination of cervical cancer, led by Karen Canfell AC FAHMS and Kathleen Schmeler, highlighting the importance of coordination and collective action to turn ambition into impact.
We were thrilled to be joined by former Health Minister for Hong Kong, Prof Sophia Siu Chee CHAN, who elevated opportunities to strengthen the health workforce to effectively tackle NCDs.
The stormy weather in Manila was a visual representation of the shared challenges and complexities of a growing burden of NCDs, an ageing population, impacts of climate change and resource constraints.
Some key points came through to me strongly this week:
- The imperative of increasing investment in prevention of NCDs. It’s the only way we can hope to stem the tide.
- The importance of keeping NCDs high on the political agenda, globally and locally. We need sustained momentum.
- The need for a well-resourced team at WHO and in country offices to support action.
- Better coordination across funders and agencies.
These are not new insights, but remain critical strategies to improve health for all.
It was such a valuable three days of learning, collaboration and, importantly, focusing on what we can do next to support countries in delivering better health outcomes. Thank you to the hardworking WHO team for all your efforts in organising.”
