The NCD Alliance, a global advocacy organization representing a network of more than 2,000 civil society organizations led a major lobbying campaign, and mobilized its network to ensure this target was secured. They now applaud world leaders for demonstrating political leadership on one of the greatest global health and development challenges of the 21st century.
Ann Keeling, Chair of the NCD Alliance and CEO of the International Diabetes Federation declared: "The adoption of this bold and ambitious target is a landmark event in the fight against NCDs. For the first time all governments will be accountable for progress on NCDs. The NCD Alliance and its members and partners around the world have worked tirelessly for nearly a year for this. On behalf of the hundreds of millions of people with NCDs, we are delighted to see this result."
Johanna Ralston, NCD Alliance Steering Group Member and CEO of the World Heart Federation, said: "For too long, people around the world have been dying prematurely and unnecessarily from NCDs. These are deaths that are largely preventable, using proven and affordable interventions. We congratulate world leaders for agreeing this target. It is a major breakthrough and a signals to the world that governments will act, monitor progress and deliver change for people with NCDs."
In addition to adopting an overarching target, Member States have committed to reach a consensus, before the end of October, on additional targets relating to the four main risk factors for NCDs, namely tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity; and to consider further targets relating to obesity, fat intake, alcohol, cholesterol and health system responses, such as availability of essential medicines for NCDs.
Dr Nils E Billo, Executive Director of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) said: "We will be working closely with Member States to determine further global NCD targets by October. To finally turn around the NCD epidemic of preventable death and suffering, we need governments to stand up for the rights of people with NCDs by supporting a target on essential medicines, and put public health interests first by adopting targets on all major risk factors".
Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC): "NCDs pose one of the most complex health challenges the world has ever faced. Fighting this battle will require action from us all, and we are ready to participate in discussions involving government leaders, healthcare professionals, civil society, and private sector, to determine much needed strategies to prevent and control NCDs. Working together, we will prevent unnecessary suffering, disability and death across the world for future generations."