Health Promotion Forum

Driving impact during a crisis: Why the NCD Best Buys are a great investment now and for the future

Moderator:  Andrew Black

Speakers

• Adriana Blanco – Head of the Convention Secretariat WHO FCTC
• Dr- Bente Mikkelsen – Director, Department of NCDs, WHO

Organized by WHO & the Convention Secretariat of the WHO FCTC

Noncommunicable diseases have a major impact on health and well-being, and are responsible for around 74% of global deaths every year. These diseases, and the major risk factors that contribute to them (tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity) also have significant negative economic consequences. Investment and implementation of these measures, including tobacco control, need to be scaled up quickly, in light of the health vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the session is to 1. launch the report Saving lives, spending less: the case for investing in noncommunicable diseases, which highlights the health and economic impact of investing in the 16 NCD Best Buys, including several tobacco control measures outlined in the WHO FCTC; and 2. to discuss the benefits of investing in the NCD Best Buys for low- and lower-middle income countries, showcase country success stories, and discuss avenues to raise financing to tackle NCDs and tobacco control.