As UNGA Concludes, Nations Must Take Bold Action in Global Fight Against Noncommunicable Diseases

New York – As world leaders meet at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), it is clearer than ever that the fight against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) must remain central to global health and development. The fourth High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the Promotion of Mental Health has given governments a renewed mandate to improve health, save lives, strengthen health systems and ease the heavy burden imposed by NCDs.

The final Declaration from this critical meeting calls for accelerating implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and for meaningful policies that promote access to healthy diets. This includes promoting access to nutritious food, eliminating industrially produced trans fatty acids, advancing front-of-package labeling, protecting children from the harmful impact of food marketing and supporting optimal, cost-effective breastfeeding practices. These proven measures are urgently needed worldwide.

Despite widespread support, full consensus was not reached, and the Declaration will now go to a vote in October as a UN General Assembly Resolution.

Alarmingly, the Declaration had been weakened by the influence of powerful industries that profit from addiction and disease. Industry lobbying diluted commitments on tobacco and alcohol taxes – among the most effective tools to curb harmful consumption – and erased any reference to sweetened beverage taxation. In the face of these powerful foes, governments must commit to bold action that puts people over profits and safeguards future generations.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator support civil society organizations and advocacy movements in more than 40 countries.  Now more than ever, governments and civil society must work together to save lives, reduce disease and build a healthier future for all.