NCD Alliance

The World Cancer Congress begins in Melbourne on 3 December. A dedicated NCD Programme will address cancer within the broader context of the NCD response.

In addition, NCD Alliance supporters are hosting the NCD Cafe, which offers interactive sessions throughout the Congress.

A new study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that nearly half a million new cancer cases per year can be attributed to high body mass index (BMI).

The study, published today in The Lancet Oncology, highlights that overweight and obesity have become a major risk factor, responsible for an estimated 3.6% (481 000) of all new cancer cases in 2012.

The WHO Regional Committees, held annually, are an important forum for Member States to discuss elements of the global NCD Framework and contribute to the on-going post-2015 discussions. The 2014 WHO Regional Committee Meetings concluded in early November. Highlights of each meeting and a detailed summary of discussions on NCD-related agenda items can be found here.

Photo courtesy: PAHO/Flickr, 2014

Eat for Goals! is a new cookery app which gives young people the opportunity to cook the same heart-healthy recipes as some of the world’s top footballers. Based on the successful Eat for Goals! book, the app encourages young people to eat healthily and lead an active lifestyle, in order to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

Eat for Goals! was originally created under the patronage of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), World Heart Federation and the European Commission. Now it is available in a new format with Eat for Goals! app.

Are you attending World Cancer Congress 2014?

With the increasing importance given to NCDs worldwide, you would not want to miss the latest fresh perspective from frontline health professionals, policymakers, technologists, philosophers and business people on how to address chronic disease challenges.

The NCD Café Program for the World Cancer Congress 2014 welcomes you for a coffee or healthy snack whilst providing a unique space for interactive sessions on NCDs, with a focus on integration, partnerships and multidisciplinary experiences in low and middle-income countries.

As part of NCD Alliance Program ‘Strengthening Health Systems, Supporting NCD Action’, the South Africa NCD Alliance held a meeting last week in Johannesberg, entitled NCDs Health Systems Strengthening Kopano. The meeting engaged over 90 stakeholders from a range of sectors.

The meeting took place in Johannesburg and engaged patient advocacy groups, civil society, national and provincial health department officials, trade and professional associations, researchers, and others.

Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM) is holding a European Youth Essay Competition, calling for responses to the following question:

Why is Access to Medicines a pressing European issue today? What role should universities play in solving the global medical access and innovation crisis?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will play an important part of the programme of the upcoming 2014 World Cancer Congress, with a suite of plenaries, sessions and side events that are of relevance to the wider NCD community beyond cancer.

Our Programme includes the following sessions:

1-Health in the post-2015 development agenda: Investing in NCDs for a healthy future for all

2-Connect and discuss with NCD experts

3-A shared commitment: The need for a multisectoral response to NCDs

As part of the NCD Alliance Program ‘Strengthening Health Systems, Supporting NCD Action’, the South Africa NCD Alliance is holding a meeting entitled NCDs Health Systems Strengthening Kopano; Kopano being Setswana for meeting, unity, together.

The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) is collaborating with the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society to strengthen the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition for Tobacco Control.

A meeting is being held today in Trinidad to initiate a process that will lead to the official establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition for Tobacco Control.