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.
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Knowledge Action Portal on NCDs

Take a look behind the scenes of the Knowledge Action Portal (KAP).

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NCD data portal

Explore the data by country

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On the road to 2025 and beyond

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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)

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Implementation roadmap 2023–2030

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

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Noncommunicable diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases
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Chronic respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases

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According to WHO estimates, there were 417 918 deaths due to asthma at the global level and 24.8 million DALYS attributable to asthma in 2016.

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Asthma deaths will increase in the next 10 years if urgent action is not taken

Asthma cannot be cured, but proper diagnosis, treatment and patient education can result in good asthma control and management.
WHO/I. Brown
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Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease (NCD), affecting both children and adults, and is the most common chronic disease among children.

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Asthma can also present with chest tightness and cough.
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Asthma occurs in all countries regardless of level of development

Over 80% of asthma deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries. For effective control, it is essential to make good-quality medications affordable and available, especially for low-income families.
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Symptoms may occur several times in a day or week

For some people the symptoms become worse during physical activity or at night. Failure to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to a tightened airway can be life threatening and may result in an asthma attack, respiratory distress and even death.
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Inhaled medication can control asthma symptoms and allow people with asthma to lead a normal, active life.

Through appropriate treatment such as using inhaled corticosteroids to ease bronchial inflammation, the number of asthma exacerbation and asthma-related deaths can be reduced.
WHO/M. Kokic
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Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children.

It can be controlled through different prevention and treatment plans according to individual symptoms, leading to increased quality of life.
WHO/D. Rodriguez
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The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways.

The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure to indoor allergens such as house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture; pollution and pet dander; outdoor allergens such as pollens and moulds; tobacco smoke and chemical irritants in the workplace.
WHO/S. Volkov
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Avoiding asthma triggers can reduce the severity of asthma

Asthma triggers can include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise.
WHO/T. Pietrasik
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Asthma is often under-diagnosed and under-treated

Asthma creates a substantial burden to individuals and families and possibly restricts individuals' activities for a lifetime.
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Sensory functions, disability and rehabilitation

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Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: overview
19 April 2022

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...

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Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 5: evaluating the implementation of a multisectoral action plan
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 5: evaluating...

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

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Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 2: establishing stakeholder engagement and governance mechanisms
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 2: establishing...

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...

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Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 4: developing an implementation plan
19 April 2022

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

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

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Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 1: conducting a comprehensive assessment
19 April 2022

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

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

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Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 3: establishing a framework for action
19 April 2022

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

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,...

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2008-2013 action plan for the global strategy for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases : prevent and control cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes
12 May 2009

2008-2013 action plan for the global strategy for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases...

This document is written primarily for the community of international development partners, as well as those in government and civil society concerned...

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