The NCD Alliance (NCDA) highlights key opportunities to strengthen the Zero Draft of the Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) made public last week, and which will be approved at this September’s UN High-Level Meeting on UHC.

 

The HLM is a gathering of global leaders convened by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to address specific global issues, facilitate political dialogue, and seek international cooperation and solutions. On 21 September 2023, an HLM on UHC will take place, and is a critical opportunity to ensure NCDs are prioritised as part of global discussions on UHC, and that they are included as part of health benefits packages. 

 

The Political Declaration is a formal statement adopted by Member States of the United Nations that articulates shared commitments, goals, and strategies on UHC. It will serve as the blueprint from global leaders to address the challenges and opportunities of UHC, ensuring that quality health services are accessible and affordable to all. 

 

NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, have become the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Alarmingly, 85% of NCD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, indicating an urgent need for improved healthcare access and strengthened health systems in these regions.

 

NCD Alliance Messages to the Zero Draft of the Political Declaration on UHC follow our four advocacy asks outlined in the NCD Alliance Advocacy Priorities For the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage. 

 

In summary:

One of the key recommendations put forth by NCDA is to invest in the prevention and control of NCDs through sustainable and adequate resources for UHC. NCDA commends the draft's reference to transitioning toward sustainable financing, domestic resource mobilization, and strengthening international cooperation. They further recommend aligning national spending targets with the Abuja Declaration's goal of allocating 15% of government expenditure to healthcare.

 

Another critical message highlights the importance of accelerating the implementation of quality NCD prevention and care services into UHC health benefit packages. NCDA applauds references to scaling up efforts for health promotion, equitable access to medicines, and strengthening health information systems. They stress the need to strengthen the continuum of care, including health promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, and recommend the inclusion of legal and regulatory measures to promote intersectoral policies and improve access to essential medicines.

 

Additionally, NCDA underscores the significance of aligning development and global health priorities to achieve UHC. They highlight the need for resilient health systems based on primary healthcare and a people-centred approach that ensures inclusivity and addresses the vulnerabilities of populations living with multiple chronic conditions, including NCDs.

 

Lastly, the NCD Alliance emphasises the importance of engaging people living with NCDs in decision-making processes, aiming to keep UHC people-centered. They recommend institutionalizing mechanisms for inclusive health governance that involve patients and individuals living with chronic conditions, while addressing conflicts of interest and undue influence from industries that may harm public health.