PD 03 - From Words to Action for Better Noncommunicable Disease Outcomes

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes, as well as mental health disorders, are now the dominant cause of death and disability across the world. Cost-effective, evidence-based interventions to prevent and control NCDs have long been established, however, there is a lack of evidence on how best to deliver those interventions across a full range of existing health systems and diverse populations. It is time to act now and translate our global commitments into action. NCDs can only be tackled when national capacities and structures are available and capable of providing quality, long-term care to prevent and treat NCDs. An important aspect of NCD care is access to essential medicines and supplies. Essential medicines can save lives, reduce suffering, and improve health. Nearly 2 billion people globally have no access to essential medicines. This means that essential medicines are unavailable, unaffordable, inaccessible, unacceptable, or of low quality for more than a quarter of the population worldwide. The purpose of the event is two-fold: 1. To recognize the role of young researchers as key changemakers in the world to scale up action against NCDs and enhance mental health; 2. To explore innovative approaches to NCD prevention and control, such as The Defeat-NCD Partnership Essential Supplies Facility for improved access to NCD treatment to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4 by 2030. This event will bring together policymakers, global health leaders, young researchers, and innovators to leverage their experience and show practical examples of improved access to NCD treatment and care and the lessons learnt. As part of the event, there will be an exhibition of the work of some of the most innovative young researchers from Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), working on implementation research to scale-up national NCD responses for achieving SDG 3.4, as selected through the incentive grant programme, rolled out by the Defeat-NCD Partnership, the World Health Organization, and partners. Chairs: Juliette Foster Moderator | United Kingdom