Moscow - Noncommunicable diseases are the leading killer today and are on the increase, the first WHO Global status report on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) launched today confirms. In 2008, 36.1 million people died from conditions such as heart disease, strokes, chronic lung diseases, cancers and diabetes. Nearly 80% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Noncommunicable diseases a two-punch blow to development

Patient advocates have called for greater involvement in the design and delivery of strategies to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and chronic diseases, at the International Alliance of Patients' Organizations (IAPO) African Regional Network Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. The meeting was held with the support of two South African patient groups: the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and the Patients' Health Alliance of NGOs (PHANGO).

The first Africa Regional Ministerial Consultation on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) ended in the Congolese capital on Wednesday (6 April) with the adoption of the Brazzaville Declaration on NCDs. The Declaration urged urgent action by various stakeholders to address major NCDs and priority conditions which represent “a significant challenge” to people in the African region: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, diseases of blood disorder (in particular sickle cell disease), mental health, violence and injuries.