Call for Action & International Initiative Dr Jill Farrington Coordinator, Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO Regional Office for Europe

Objectives The main objectives of the conference are: to impress upon senior governmental authorities the importance of addressing the challenge of NCDI for the social and economic development of the country and to promote the issue high on the political agenda to define risk factors, to lay out the experience already available, and to demonstrate the feasibility of effective interventions to facilitate exchange of experience and challenges faced among the countries to stimulate intersectoral dialogue and cooperation across health and social boundaries to promote international partnership in support of country efforts to define steps necessary to move from knowledge to action to emphasize the potential efficiency for a synergistic approach across a range of NCDI

European NCD Strategy Objectives Comprehensive approach: To take integrated action on risk factors and their underlying determinants across sectors To strengthen health systems for improved prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases Comprehensive approach: Population-level prevention programmes Targeting high risk individuals Improved quality and coverage of care Systematic reduction of inequalities

A Call for Action Statement The Conference concluded that: Increased awareness of the problem and leadership at the highest political level are essential to the response, as societies should create health-supporting environments to help make healthy choices easier choices. Governments at all levels have the responsibility to build health public policies and ensure action across all concerted sectors. Given its impact on health and economic and social development, NCDIs need to be addressed through a multi-sectoral approach. The health sector on its own cannot solve the problem. The private sector and civil society should be encouraged to become an active partner in the response. Prevention throughout life is effective and must be regarded as an investment in health and development. Prevention efforts, therefore, must be strengthened and broadened through effective population-based public health services, as they are essential to ensure an effective and sustainable response. Health services should be fit for purpose, responding to the present disease burden and increasing opportunities for health promotion. Health systems need to be strengthened to facilitate access to early diagnosis, quality care and treatment, and rehabilitation, following a continuum of care approach. They need to be strengthened also in their capacity to effectively engage other sectors and work across different policy domains. People should be empowered to promote their own health, interact effectively with health services and be active partners in managing disease. Reinforcing positive social and cultural norms and values as well as healthy behaviors is a critical part of the response, and the necessary complement to investments into making the healthiest choice the easiest choice.

Support for the regional response Participants at the Conference discussed the need to increase the level of attention, as well as of resources, that are required to address the NCDI epidemic in their countries. Proposals for more involvement of the private sector were also discussed. The international community pledged to increase awareness of NCDIs within the international public health community and to support intensified action on NCDI prevention and control in the CIS countries.

Next steps Establish an international alliance to support CIS countries in meeting the challenge of NCDI, building upon existing processes and structures. Develop an operational plan outlining how this international alliance can better support countries by working in a more collaborative way on common efforts. Mobilize technical and financial resources to assist countries in formulating an effective response to NCDI, building on existing strategies and actions already in place, and broadening the efforts following an intersectoral comprehensive and integrated approach.