Global leaders decide on goals for control of cancer and other NCDs at 65th World Health Assembly

From May 21-26, governments and health leaders are gathering at the 65th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, to make decisions that could have a tremendous impact on saving lives worldwide from cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lung disease. NCDs account for about 36 million deaths globally each year, with 80 percent occurring in low- to middle-income countries. Unless critical action is taken, the annual loss of life is projected to reach 44 million by 2020, and the economic impact of NCDs has the potential to devastate countries’ economies. 

As the leader in the global fight to end cancer, the Society is committed to establishing cancer as a top priority on the global health agenda. At the WHA this week, we hope that the strongest possible set of global goals will be adopted to prevent and control NCDs worldwide. A delay in defining an initial set of targets for nations to follow will undermine our collective ability to keep the commitments made during the United Nations High-level Meeting last September.  

On Monday, May 21, the United States and several other nations introduced a resolution supporting five voluntary targets relating to mortality, raised blood pressure, tobacco, salt/sodium, and physical inactivity with strong support for additional targets in the future. The Society co-hosted a side event with the Preventive Health Partnership and the NCD Alliance to build momentum around continued global support for NCD advocacy.