Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation and Disability
We are responsible for leading, coordinating and monitoring global action to cover additional people with health services, medicines, vaccines, diagnostic and health technologies for the prevention, screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. We aim to advance health equity for persons with disabilities, we have a focus on sensory impairments and bring together the work on rehabilitation from across the departments and from the 3 levels of the organization.

On the road to 2025 and beyond

Square blue graphic with yellow strip and countdown to number of weeks to the 4th UN high-level meeting on NCDs

HLM4: On the road to 2025 and beyond

Preparatory process for the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs (HLM4)

Delegates sitting in a large conference room during the UN General Assembly

Implementation roadmap 2023–2030

for the Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2030

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Noncommunicable diseases

Cancer
WHO / EURO /Gilles Reboux
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Cancer
WHO/C de Bode
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Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO/A Kari
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Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and is responsible for about 10 million deaths per year. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer (1).

WHO/S Volkov
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Top 5 types of cancer killing men

Worldwide, in 2015, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill men are (in order of frequency): lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and prostate cancers.
WHO/C de Bode
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Top 5 types of cancer killing women

Worldwide, in 2015, the 5 most common types of cancer that kill women are (in the order of frequency): breast, lung, colorectal, cervical and stomach cancers.
WHO/S Volkov
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Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 25% of cancer deaths (2).

WHO
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Cancer-causing infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis, are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

WHO/G Reboux
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Late-stage presentation and lack of access to diagnosis and treatment are common, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO/G Reboux
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The economic impact of cancer is significant and increasing. The total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated at US$ 1.16 trillion (5).

WHO/E Eraly
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Palliative care

Worldwide, only about 14% of people who need palliative care currently receive it.
WHO/J Takayama
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Only 1 in 3 countries reported high quality cancer incidence data in 2019 (6).

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Sensory functions, disability and rehabilitation

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Paediatric drug optimization for cancer medicines: meeting report, January 2024

The goal of the Paediatric drug optimization for cancer exercise was to develop a PADO priority list of formulations to be prioritized with a time horizon...

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 3: establishing a framework for action

A framework for action provides a guide for those involved in the development of the multisectoral action plan. It starts with a wide-ranging vision and,...

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 4: developing an implementation plan

When considering a multisectoral action plan (MSAP), it is important to take into account various issues relating to its implementation. Implementation is...

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 1: conducting a comprehensive assessment

One of the first steps in developing a multisectoral action plan (MSAP) is to use a situation analysis to provide a  comprehensive assessment...

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: overview

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...

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 5: evaluating the implementation of a multisectoral action plan

Key stakeholders must be involved in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NCD plans and programmes. Within a ministry of health there...

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 2: establishing stakeholder engagement and governance mechanisms

To maintain a structured and well-organized implementation plan it is important to have a lead agency or sector. The ministry of health or a similar...

WHO framework for strengthening and scaling-up services for the management of invasive cervical cancer

This document brings a new focus to the management of invasive disease in the comprehensive control and eventual elimination of cervical cancer. Aligned...