Many noncommunicable diseases have a long duration and slow progression, and collectively are responsible for nearly 70% of deaths worldwide. The cluster’s vision is to have a world free of the avoidable burden of noncommunicable diseases. Its mission is to reduce the preventable and avoidable burden of morbidity, mortality and disability due to noncommunicable diseases through multisector collaboration, in support of the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Noncommunicable Diseases Cluster is organized under two umbrellas of work: Noncommunicable Diseases Integrated Management, which covers cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obstructive lung diseases, mental health and substance abuse; and Noncommunicable Diseases Primary Prevention, which focuses on reduction of risk factors and determinants, including tobacco control, the harmful use of alcohol, violence, injuries and disabilities. Health promotion is a core area and includes healthy diet and active living and working.
Priorities are to:
- increase the importance accorded to noncommunicable diseases in development work;
- establish and strengthen multisectoral policies;
- reduce the four main risk factors for non-communicable diseases;
- orient health systems to noncommunicable disease prevention and control through the primary health care approach;
- promote research, monitor noncommunicable diseases and evaluate progress; and
- promote effective noncommunicable disease partnerships.