The WHO e-Learning course Training for primary care providers: brief tobacco interventions

Overview

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), principally cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, impose a major and growing burden on health and development in the South-East Asia Region.

Globally, NCD deaths are projected to increase by 15% between 2010 and 2020 (to 44 million deaths) with an estimated 10.4 million deaths in South-East Asia. Of particular concern is the high level of premature mortality from NCDs (deaths before 70 years of age) in several low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

The goal of the regional NCD programme is to reduce preventable morbidity, avoidable disability and premature mortality due to NCDs in the South-East Asia Region. To achieve this goal, a draft regional action plan has been developed. The regional action plan is guided by a set of principles and lists priority actions along four strategic action areas:

Strategic Action Area 1: Advocacy, partnerships, and leadership

Strategic Action Area 2: Health promotion and risk reduction

Strategic Action Area 3: Health system strengthening for early detection and management of NCDs and their risk factors

Strategic Action Area 4: Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation and Research

Implementation of these priority actions by Member States, WHO and other partners should lead to achievement of the global and regional voluntary targets by 2025.

Key facts