I congratulate the Government of Bangladesh on the endorsement of this Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the most urgent and complex public health challenges in Bangladesh. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases are responsible for 67% of all deaths in Bangladesh, many of which are premature. Premature deaths and disability from NCDs result in adverse financial and social consequences for individuals, families and the nation.
Our health is created by the social, economic and physical environments around us. Fundamentally, the determinants of our health and especially NCDs lie beyond the health sector. Population levels of tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and sedentariness, harmful use of alcohol and air pollution are determined by the decisions of several sectors, including finance, transport, education, agriculture and trade.
Business as usual is insufficient to successfully reduce the social, health and economic impacts of NCDs; the health sector cannot do it alone. Recognising this, the plan calls upon all sectors to implement policies and programmes which will protect and promote health. This is an essential, definitive, and welcome paradigm shift in the approach to health.
Sustained high level political commitment and accountability are the keys to the success of united and coordinated action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and their targets, including reducing premature mortality from NCDs by 30% by 2030. Achieving this target is also essential to achieve many SDGs, including decent work, economic growth and reduced inequalities.
WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh to implement this plan
and the much needed solutions to secure the health, social and economic wellbeing of the present
and future generations of Bangladesh.
Dr Bardan Jung Rana