Many of the risk factors for NCDs originate in the early stages of life, as early as conception and patterns of consumption of unhealthy products and exposure to social and environmental determinants are established in childhood and adolescence.
There is an urgent need to translate the political commitment for an integrated approach to NCDs and RMNCH, reflected in the 2010 UN Secretary General Strategy on Women and Children’s Health and the 2011 UN Political Declaration on NCDs, into action and measurable results on the ground.