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Our current strategy is centered on the implementation of the regional framework for action on the prevention and control of NCDs. The framework was endorsed by the Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in 2012 and updated in 2019. The framework is the road map for countries to implement the UN Political Declaration on NCDs and serves as the regional adaptation of the Global action plan on the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2020 (extended to 2030).
The framework consists of 19 strategic interventions for countries to implement in the four key areas of: governance; prevention and reduction of risk factors; surveillance, monitoring and evaluation; and health care. It also includes 14 indicators which WHO uses to track and report on progress made by countries.
In the area of governance, reference is made to the establishment of high-level multisectoral mechanisms to oversee national NCD responses, as well as to strategic interventions on NCD economics.
In the area of prevention and reduction of risk factors, air pollution has been included, noting that work is currently being carried out on global level to articulate cost-effective policy options. Additionally, the new regional strategy for nutrition 2020–2030, which has been developed in consultation with Member States and relevant UN agencies, will provide countries with the necessary guidance to implement strategic interventions for the prevention and reduction of dietary NCD risk factors.
In the area of surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, a new progress indicator on population-based cancer registries has been added.
In the area of health care, the inclusion of NCD health services at primary health care level in national benefit packages is key, as countries move towards universal health coverage. To guide these efforts, a new implementation tool for the assessment of health system readiness for NCD integration in primary health care can be used to guide countries on integrating a prioritized set of NCD interventions into national benefit packages, while taking health system requirements into consideration.
The framework for action on NCDs is the way forward for countries to better prevent, treat and manage NCDs, and improve health and well-being. For most strategic interventions identified in the framework, WHO has developed evidence-based tools to further support countries in taking action against NCDs. Countries need to step up implementation of the regional framework for action, otherwise the health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals will not be met by 2030, including a one third reduction in premature deaths from NCDs (target 3.4).
Regional framework for action on the prevention and control of NCDs (updated 2019)
A broader NCD agenda
Since 2012, countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have been using the regional framework for action on the prevention and control of NCDs to implement the 2011 Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs. Over the years, the scope of the NCD agenda has broadened. A new Political Declaration on NCDs was endorsed by Member States in 2018 at the Third High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, and includes the promotion of mental health and well-being, reduction of indoor and outdoor air pollution, and commitments on NCD economics, encouraging countries to effectively use fiscal measures, innovative financing models and NCD investment cases to calculate the return on investment as a means to advocate for and better finance a more comprehensive national NCD response. Moreover, the 2018 Political Declaration acknowledges the importance of NCD management in emergencies, a significant area of work for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, given the heavy NCD burden and many ongoing and protracted emergencies in the Region.
In line with new commitments made at the Third High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, the framework was updated in September 2018. These new commitments are addressed in the regional framework to help countries become more effective in tackling NCDs, including cancers, heart and lung diseases, stroke and diabetes, thereby improving health and well-being. The framework maintains the current four areas of work: governance; prevention and reduction of risk factors; surveillance, monitoring and evaluation; and health care. However, it adds new strategic interventions and progress indicators to reflect the new commitments.
Regional framework for action on the prevention and control of NCDs (updated 2019)
A look ahead to 2030
The framework provides evidence-based, cost-effective interventions, and is the best way forward for countries to respond to NCDs and their shared risk factors, thereby making a measurable difference to the lives of millions. Implementation of the framework needs to be accelerated, and it should be used together with other documents, tools and technical packages specific to the areas of work captured in the broadened NCD agenda, to protect people from tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, air pollution and the harmful use of alcohol. This will require working with multiple stakeholders and on multiple fronts. A whole-of-government, whole-of-society, cross-sectoral and health-in-all policies approach is required.
Stepping up implementation of the regional framework for action and continuing to map progress over time on a yearly basis is critical for addressing gaps and accelerating the work being done to combat NCDs. The regional framework also aligns with WHO’s vision for the Region, Vision 2023, with its aim of “Health for all by all”, and WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13), which sets a clear mission for the Organization to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, as WHO and countries progress towards achieving the health goal of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of ensuring health and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
Regional framework for action on the prevention and control of NCDs (updated 2019)
Related resources
4th High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs
Global action plan on the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2020 (extended to 2030)
Global resolutions and decisions on NCDs
UN Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2018
Vision 2023 Eastern Mediterranean Region: Health for all by all