The WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (GCM/NCD) underwent a preliminary evaluation by the World Health Assembly, in order to assess the results and added value of the GCM/NCD. The preliminary evaluation provided an understanding of how results and outcomes had been achieved by the mechanism between 2014 and 2017, examining their relevance, effectiveness and efficiency. In line with these findings, the GCM/NCD set forth initiatives in 2018 that have continued to build upon the fulfillment of its role as a coordinating and engagement platform facilitating and advancing multisectoral and multistakeholder action on NCD prevention and control. Below is a selection of some of the many highlights from 2018:
WHO GCM/NCD Working Group on health education and health literacy for NCDs
In February, the Third Meeting of the WHO GCM/NCD Working Group on health education and health literacy for NCDs concluded with an Interim Report that outlines discussions so far on ways and means of encouraging Member States and non-State actors to promote health education and health literacy for NCDs. The working group - which was established by WHO Director-General and had its inaugural meeting the previous year - provides a forum to identify barriers and share best practices, innovative solutions, and actions for the implementation of the Global NCD Action Plan, 2013-2020. As part of its aim to promote sustained action across sectors, the working group has launched a growing portfolio of National Health Literacy Demonstration Projects (NHLDPs) for the control and management of NCDs. With a particular focus on populations with low health awareness and/or literacy. The working group will reconvene in 2019 to progress its Interim Report towards a Final Report, enhance NHLDPs, and further explore opportunities for implementation at the regional and country levels.
WHO Global Dialogue on Partnerships for Sustainable Financing of NCD Prevention and Control
Convening more than 300 delegates from across constituencies, the WHO Global Dialogue on Partnerships for Sustainable Financing of NCD Prevention and Control, held in April, brought together representatives from 56 countries worldwide, 60 Participants representing various UN Agencies, and more than 100 non-State actors. Stakeholders were provided with a platform to showcase collaborative achievements in support of SDG 3.4. In addition to the opportunity to review commitments made at high-level meetings, the crucial role of partnerships for mobilizing resources for national NCD response was emphasized. The Dialogue facilitated an increased level of multistakeholder and multisectoral communication around how to mobilize financing streams, alongside incentivizing private sector support to NCD response - a topic that the GCM/NCD continues to support as the demand for sustainable implementation rises.
General Meeting of the GCM/NCD
In recognition of the importance of active face-to-face engagement with its broader Participant base, the GCM/NCD prioritized organizing and facilitating the General Meeting of the GCM/NCD on 5-6 November. The two-day meeting brought together over 300 Participants, with 80 Member States and 70 non-State actors represented, to discuss results of the preliminary evaluation of the GCM/NCD, assess progress, and outline future strategic directions to enhance the GCM/NCD’s added value and continued relevance. Using an interactive approach to explore insights, the General Meeting highlighted the voices and perspective of its Participants, and concluded with a co-chairs statement from Sri Lanka and Switzerland. A comprehensive report on this productive meeting will be released early next year.
The Knowledge Action Portal (KAP)
Continuing to promote collaborative approaches to address NCDs, the GCM/NCD announced the new Knowledge Action Portal (KAP) - an interactive and community-driven online hub for NCD information, interaction, and inspiration. Launched on 22 November, the KAP provides users with access to a range of campaigns, media, publications, data, and other resources, and acts as a unique tool for engaging both new and established audiences in an interactive format. Using a phased approach to development, the launch of the KAP marks, in many ways, a new chapter of engagement and implementation amongst GCM Participants and a wider NCD-focused user base. It provides the opportunity for the GCM/NCD to further support public health-focused partnerships and connections, and where possible, translate these into sustained action.
The 2018 achievements of the WHO GCM/NCD have been shaped by the collaborative efforts and active contributions of the GCM Participant base - comprised of over 400 Participants including Member States, United Nations organizations, and non-State actors. As the path for 2019 is set to enhance and establish initiatives for increased action on global and local NCD prevention and control, the GCM/NCD Secretariat extends its gratitude to all of its valued Participants. By continuing to foster high-level NCD commitments through multisectoral and multistakeholder engagement at local, national, regional and global levels, the GCM/NCD looks forward to amplifying its contribution to accelerating the implementation of the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020, and the NCD (3.4) and NCD-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.