The World Health Organization's fact sheet on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) highlights that NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for 74% of all global deaths, totaling 41 million annually. Notably, 86% of premature NCD deaths (...before age 70) occur in low- and middle-income countries. Key risk factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and air pollution. The WHO emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, early detection, and comprehensive healthcare strategies to address the growing NCD burden.
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An estimated 1.3 billion people globally experience significant disability. This figure has grown over the last decade and will continue to rise due to demographic and epidemiological changes. In 2022, the World Health Organization launched the Global report on health equity for persons with disabil...ities. This report demonstrated that many persons with disabilities are still being left behind. Experiencing persistent health inequities, persons with disabilities die earlier, they have poorer health and functioning, and they are more affected by health emergencies than the general population. These differences are largely associated with unjust factors both inside and beyond the health sector and are avoidable. The Global Report called upon Member States to take actions to make health sector more inclusive for persons with disabilities through the primary health care approach. This will be essential for countries to make health coverage truly universal and to progress towards other health-related targets in the sustainable development goals.
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Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – chief among them, cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke), cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases – along with mental health, cause nearly three quarters of deaths in the world. Their drivers are social, environmental, commercial and geneti...c, and their presence is global. Every year 17 million people under the age of 70 die of NCDs, and 86% of them live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
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This toolkit is a "how to" guide for developing, implementing and evaluating a multisectoral action plan for prevention and control of NCDs. It is targeted at policy-makers, planners and programme managers, and is intended to help countries, provinces and cities meet the requirements for achieving g...lobal and national NCD targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. The toolkit takes the user through a series of actions related to the development of a multisectoral action plan ("MSAP development actions"), and provides forms and a template framework for users to complete as they undertake these actions. Developing a multisectoral action plan involves establishing health needs and engaging relevant stakeholders before determining the actions to take, identifying and prioritizing interventions, deciding on ways to address NCDs while establishing support and resources for prevention and control, and evaluating progress in implementing the plan.
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The NCD Alliance website provides information and resources on preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental health conditions. The Alliance advocates for global health policies, supports countries i...n integrating NCD care into universal health coverage, and fosters collaboration among governments, civil society, and health organizations. Key sections include policy briefs, advocacy priorities, research reports, and campaigns aimed at reducing NCD-related health disparities and improving health outcomes worldwide. The site serves as a hub for NCD advocacy, awareness, and community engagement.
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This toolkit is a "how to" guide for developing, implementing and evaluating a multisectoral action plan for prevention and control of NCDs. It is targeted at policy-makers, planners and programme managers, and is intended to help countries, provinces and cities meet the requirements for achieving g...lobal and national NCD targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. The toolkit takes the user through a series of actions related to the development of a multisectoral action plan ("MSAP development actions"), and provides forms and a template framework for users to complete as they undertake these actions. Developing a multisectoral action plan involves establishing health needs and engaging relevant stakeholders before determining the actions to take, identifying and prioritizing interventions, deciding on ways to address NCDs while establishing support and resources for prevention and control, and evaluating progress in implementing the plan.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a collection of case studies titled "Stories from the Field," highlighting global efforts to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart, and lung diseases. These narratives showcase how various countries implement ...WHO's technical guidance to improve NCD outcomes through cost-effective and equitable interventions. The stories cover topics like integrating NCD care into primary health systems, enhancing cancer treatment accessibility, and supporting individuals with NCDs during health emergencies. By sharing these experiences, WHO aims to inspire and inform global health initiatives targeting NCDs.
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The document, "Progress on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases," reports on global efforts to reduce the impact of NCDs, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, following the commitments made at high-level United Nations meetings. It highlights ...the inadequate progress in meeting the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 to reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030. Key challenges include insufficient funding, limited implementation of effective interventions, and political and economic barriers, especially in low-income countries. The report calls for strengthened international cooperation, policy reform, and innovative approaches to meet global health targets.
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The document, "Progress on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases," reports on global efforts to reduce the impact of NCDs, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, following the commitments made at high-level United Nations meetings. It highlights ...the inadequate progress in meeting the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 to reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030. Key challenges include insufficient funding, limited implementation of effective interventions, and political and economic barriers, especially in low-income countries. The report calls for strengthened international cooperation, policy reform, and innovative approaches to meet global health targets.
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The document, "Progress on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases," reports on global efforts to reduce the impact of NCDs, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, following the commitments made at high-level United Nations meetings. It highlights ...the inadequate progress in meeting the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 to reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030. Key challenges include insufficient funding, limited implementation of effective interventions, and political and economic barriers, especially in low-income countries. The report calls for strengthened international cooperation, policy reform, and innovative approaches to meet global health targets.
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The document, "Progress on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases," reports on global efforts to reduce the impact of NCDs, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, following the commitments made at high-level United Nations meetings. It highlights ...the inadequate progress in meeting the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 to reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030. Key challenges include insufficient funding, limited implementation of effective interventions, and political and economic barriers, especially in low-income countries. The report calls for strengthened international cooperation, policy reform, and innovative approaches to meet global health targets.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the "Implementation Roadmap 2023–2030" to advance the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) 2013–2030. This roadmap addresses the recommendations from the mid-term evaluation of the original action p...lan. It outlines strategic directions and priority actions to assist countries in accelerating their responses to NCDs, aiming to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4, which focuses on reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
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The WHO document "Integrating the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and sexual and reproductive health programmes: implementation guidance" provides a framework for integrating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) into existing health programs for HIV/AIDS, tub...erculosis (TB), and sexual and reproductive health (SRH). It emphasizes the importance of a people-centered approach to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency, especially in low-resource settings. The document outlines strategies for strengthening policy, financing, capacity building, and health system infrastructure. It offers actionable steps, tools, and case studies to support countries in reducing the burden of NCDs through integrated, holistic care within primary health services.
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Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – chief among them, cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke), cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases – cause nearly three-quarters of deaths in the world. Their drivers are social, environmental, commercial and genetic, and their presence is g...lobal. Every year 17 million people under the age of 70 die of NCDs, and 86% of them live in low- and middle-income countries.
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The article investigates the diagnostic capabilities and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings in northern Brazil. It highlights that COPD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in resource-limited regions. The study involved 34 general practitioners a...nd used spirometry to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy compared to clinical assessments. Findings revealed significant discrepancies between GP diagnoses and spirometry results, with many false positives and negatives. The study underscores the need for better training and the use of spirometry to improve COPD diagnosis and case-finding in primary care, emphasizing the importance of targeted strategies to enhance healthcare outcomes in developing countries.
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The article provides a systematic analysis estimating the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) across Africa. It highlights the significant health burden COPD imposes on the continent, emphasizing varying prevalence rates influenced by factors such as tobacco smoking, exposure ...to biomass fuel, and occupational hazards. The analysis reveals substantial gaps in data and disparities in COPD diagnosis and management across different African countries. The authors call for more comprehensive data collection, increased awareness, and better healthcare infrastructure to effectively address and manage COPD in Africa.
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The Our World in Data webpage on air pollution provides an extensive overview of the global impact of air pollution on health and the environment. It presents data on sources of pollution, such as industry, vehicles, and domestic energy use, and highlights the associated health risks, including resp...iratory and cardiovascular diseases. The site emphasizes that air pollution is one of the leading environmental risk factors for premature deaths worldwide, particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries. It also discusses trends in air pollution levels over time and the effectiveness of policy interventions in reducing pollution and improving public health.
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This toolkit is a "how to" guide for developing, implementing and evaluating a multisectoral action plan for prevention and control of NCDs. It is targeted at policy-makers, planners and programme managers, and is intended to help countries, provinces and cities meet the requirements for achieving g...lobal and national NCD targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. The toolkit takes the user through a series of actions related to the development of a multisectoral action plan ("MSAP development actions"), and provides forms and a template framework for users to complete as they undertake these actions. Developing a multisectoral action plan involves establishing health needs and engaging relevant stakeholders before determining the actions to take, identifying and prioritizing interventions, deciding on ways to address NCDs while establishing support and resources for prevention and control, and evaluating progress in implementing the plan.
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The article outlines the prioritized research agenda for the prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) as part of the World Health Organization's (WHO) action plan on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) from 2008 to 2013. It highlights the significant global impact of CRDs, including... asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other related conditions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The document stresses the need for effective prevention strategies and better surveillance, as well as enhanced healthcare infrastructure and resources in LMICs. It calls for research into CRD risk factors, effective interventions, and integrated care approaches that align with broader NCD prevention programs. The article emphasizes the importance of public health initiatives and cross-sector collaborations to reduce the disease burden and improve patient outcomes.
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The document is a handbook on implementing the mBreatheFreely program, an mHealth initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) aimed at improving the management of asthma and COPD through mobile technology. It provides a framework for governme...nts and policymakers to develop, launch, and evaluate national mHealth programs. The guide covers areas such as operations management, content development, promotion strategies, technology infrastructure, and monitoring and evaluation. It emphasizes the importance of mHealth in enhancing self-management, prevention, and treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The handbook also includes examples of successful programs and practical tools for adaptation and implementation.
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