Microsoft Word Report on who global Forum on ncds final 19 August 2011. doc

 

 

Page 8 of 43 

Responses to the presentation focused on food security; the need to recruit additional 

companies including small and medium enterprises; the opportunity presented by multi-

stakeholder forums like the EU platform on diet and physical activity; and the specific 

partnership on physical activity in Russia that involves government, the private sector and 

communities. The following is a summary of the discussions. 

 

Following a wide-ranging and spirited discussion, the rapporteur, Jeff Sturchio from the 

Global Health Council summarized the key messages, after which there was further 

discussion to ensure these reflected the issues canvassed during the session.  While the role 

of the alcohol beverage industry was intended to be part of the session, this did not come up 

during the discussion. 

 

A. Challenges 

There remains a clear tension between the different viewpoints on appropriate use of 

regulation to achieve improved outcomes – are the voluntary commitments made by IFBA 

sufficient, or is greater government regulation needed.  Likewise, there are differing views on 

whether the benefits of public-private partnerships outweigh the potential risks.  Industry 

needs to be clearer on exactly what they are prepared to do and whether these actions will in 

fact contribute to achieving international and national policy objectives. 

 

B. Outcomes 

Further opportunities for multi-stakeholder dialogue are important, as will be independent 

measurement and reporting of progress against commitments.  Ways need to be found to 

improve trust among the stakeholders that can then lead to action to address NCD 

prevention and control. 

 

C. Commitments and priorities 

An important next step would be for greater transparency on food industry commitments 

and accountability mechanisms that include clear targets and timelines. Environments that 

are conducive to 'healthy choices' are vital, and the industry has an important role to play in 

shaping those environments. 

 

 

 

Concurrent Session 3: Health professionals and health services 

 

Dr David Kerr from the European Society for Medical Oncology chaired this session.  

presentation to outline the health care infrastructure and work force to address the NCD 

burden was made.  The largely untapped potential for health care workers to engage in 

health promotion and diseases prevention was highlighted, as well as the gap in the provision 

of the most cost-effective treatment services.

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  The following is a summary of the discussion. 

 

 

                                                 

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The presentation of Dr Cazap is available at: 

http://www.who.int/nmh/events/global_forum_ncd/documents/session_3_health_professionals_cazap.pdf

  

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A. Challenges 

The global shortage of health workers is a major challenge that is compounded by their 

inequitable distribution in terms of geography, profession and training.  Integration of care 

pathways across different vertical programs will be fundamental, with a need to shift the 

balance to primary and community care.  There is a need to enhance the role of both health 

professionals and non-professional community workers in NCD prevention and control. 

 

B. Outcomes 

Determined efforts need to be made to integrate NCDs into national health and 

development plans and health service delivery across the continuum of care. This will require 

a systematic approach to strengthening health system capacity and capability to deal with 

NCDs.  There needs to be greater investment in education and training, as well as incentives 

for performance and retention.  A clear role for the international community should be 

identified so that it supports country-led initiatives.  Cost-effective packages for NCD care 

should be identified, as should the technical and financial resources to deliver them. 

 

C. Commitments and priorities 

The health sector and health professionals should commit to making available and using 

existing platforms and alliances for exchanging knowledge and best practices, eg patient and 

professional societies.  Health professionals and their organizations have an important role 

to play in ensuring that Heads of State and government participate in the September high-

level meeting. 

 

 

 

Concurrent session 4 Civil Society including faith-based and consumer organizations 

 

The President of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Dr Bertie 

Squire chaired this session. A presentation focusing on advocacy for cancer and NCD 

prevention and control was made, emphasizing the need to involve patients and people who 

have been affected by these diseases.

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  Their stories are a powerful advocacy tool to 

generate political action. 

 

Three themes were reiterated: 

1.

 

The paradox of NCDs – a huge health and economic burden that doesn't have the 

attention it deserves 

2.

 

The need for a unified response 'galvanize the crowd into a community' 

3.

 

The specific role of civil society and where it uniquely can add value. 

 

A broad range of organizations was present for the session and contributed to the session. 

The following is a summary of the discussion. 

 

 

                                                 

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The presentation of Mr Ulman is available at: 

http://www.who.int/nmh/events/global_forum_ncd/documents/session_4_civil_society_ulman.pdf

  

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