WHO’s publications about noncommunicable diseases (namely cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes) and their related risk factors (namely unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke, the harmful use of alcohol and air pollution) range from short, user-friendly information products for a general audience to detailed reports and other technical works. All our publications can be downloaded free of charge.
Stories from the field: sharing successful strategies from the Eastern Mediterranean Region in mitigating noncommunicable diseases and mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
This publication concentrates on unpublished accounts of what Eastern Mediterranean Region countries have done to address noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is not to give a complete picture of each country’s overall strategy, but to share knowledge and experience with other countries around the world as we confront the global challenges of mental health and NCDs.
Assessing national capacity for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: Report of the 2019 country capacity survey in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
This report summarizes the status of national capacity to prevent and control NCDs in the Region based on the 2019 survey, the seventh in the series. The questionnaire of the survey was sent to all 22 countries and territories of the Region and had a 100% response rate. This report also identifies strengths and limitations in national capacities for NCD prevention and control relative to the objectives and recommendations of the WHO Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2020 and underscores the areas that urgently need prioritization and further intervention.
Cancer Control: Eastern Mediterranean Region Special Report
A new special report on cancer control examines issues influencing the cancer burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, actions being taken to address these issues, and how the situation may evolve in the future.
In 2020, more than 720 000 people were diagnosed with cancer and more than 450 000 people died from cancer in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. This burden of cancer is expected to double by 2040 due to population ageing and growth alone, without even taking into consideration the high regional prevalence of risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet and air pollution.
The new report comprises 10 chapters, which cover the whole cancer care continuum, including planning, prevention, early detection, access to care, treatment, palliative care, cancer surveillance and research, new WHO initiatives, cancer care in humanitarian settings, paediatric oncology and the role of civil society organizations in advancing cancer care in the Region.