WHO has published a Discussion Paper with a proposed updated Appendix 3 to the WHO Global NCD Action Plan 2013-2020 based on a review of the document in 2015 in light of new scientific evidence. The draft updated Appendix 3 is available for web-based consultation until 1 September. In addition, an in-person consultation will be held with relevant stakeholders on 25 August at WHO Headquarters in Geneva. 

Appendix 3 consists of a menu of policy options to support the implementation of the 6 objectives of the WHO Global NCD Action Plan (the original appendix 3 can be found on page 65 of the WHO Global NCD Action Plan). These 81 recommendations include 14 interventions which are classified as “very cost-effective and affordable interventions for all Member States”3 (previously referred to as the “best buys”), as well as other cost-effective interventions (previously referred to as “good buys”). The purpose is to assist Member States in implementing actions to achieve the nine voluntary global targets for NCD prevention and control. The list of interventions is not exhaustive but is intended to provide information and guidance on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of population-based and individual interventions based on current evidence. 

The main reasons for updating Appendix 3 are firstly, to take into consideration the emergence of new evidence of cost-effectiveness or new WHO recommendations since the adoption of the WHO Global NCD Action Plan 2013-2020, and secondly, to refine the existing formulation of some interventions based on lessons learnt from the use of the first version. The area of Appendix 3 where this is most relevant is under Objective 3 (risk factors) and Objective 4 (health systems). All of the “very cost-effective and affordable interventions for all Member States” interventions in the original Appendix were listed under Objectives 3 and 4, and this remains the case in the updated version. 

More information on this process can be found here.