IPA Statement at 74th World Health Assembly, Agenda 13.2 on Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases

The International Pediatric Association applauds the WHO's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013–2020, and the Global Coordination Mechanism on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (GCM/NCD). At the mid-point in the 2013-30 Global Action Plan, WHO has successfully raised the profile of non-communicable diseases and mental health internationally and with UN Member States. The remaining agenda - coordination, support to states, financing solutions, and country action at scale - requires engagement of development partners, civil society and the private sector to mobilize resources towards achieving NCD and mental health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. Some issues, such as childhood obesity, are worse during COVID19, and require special attention.

Continued integration of child and adolescent health into the NCD agenda, and inclusion of NCD prevention into comprehensive maternal newborn and child health agendas is critical. IPA works closely with NCD Child, a global coalition addressing inclusion of children and youth in NCD prevention and treatment. We share NCD Child's commitment to inclusion of youth and family voices in NCD planning and implementation at every level.

Expanded access to effective treatments for cancer and rare diseases is urgently needed This includes medicines, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostic tests, assistive products, cell- and gene-based therapies and other technologies. This is especially critical for children with special health care need. WHO and member states are urged to fully implement and provide access to the essential medicines for children in all countries' and all health delivery systems. NCD treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic has been of concern, as simple products such as insulin for diabetes mean the difference between life and death for those who need it.