The Regional Committee,
Recognizing the public health and economic burdens in the Region due to noncommunicable diseases (NCD), especially cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes;
Noting that CVD, cancer, and diabetes have common risk factors that are lifestyle-related and determined by political, economic, social, cultural and physical environments;
Further noting that the Western Pacific Declaration on Diabetes establishes a regional strategic alliance with major partners in diabetes control;
Acknowledging WHO's leadership role in promoting and supporting regional and country strategies on NCD prevention and control;
- ENDORSES the Western Pacific Declaration on Diabetes;
- URGES Member States:
- (1) to adopt multisectoral public policies and legislation particularly in the areas of tobacco control, food and agriculture, trade, and promotion of physical activity;
- (2) to establish multisectoral coordinating mechanisms to advocate regional, national and local commitment and action;
- (3) to place NCD high on the national public health agenda, and to mobilize support at regional, national and local levels;
- (4) to develop national strategies for community-based, integrated NCD prevention and control programmes, including the following:
- (a) establishment or strengthening of national focal points and coordinating mechanisms;
- (b) incorporation of NCD programmes into primary health care and other public health initiatives, such as healthy settings activities;
- (c) establishments or expansion of demonstration projects and distribution of best practice models, particularly for prevention and control of hypertension and diabetes;
- (d) strengthening NCD data management and information systems, including national registries where applicable, and information network on risk, diseases, and environmental determinants;
- (5) to develop national capacity for NCD prevention and control, by taking the following actions;
- (a) sustaining investment in the execution of a national NCD prevention and control strategy;
- (b) reorienting the role of primary health care workers to reflect recent advances in NCD prevention and control strategies, through adequate training and quality assurance;
- (6) to participate in the development and implementation of the regional plan of action for 2000-20005 for Western Pacific Declaration on Diabetes;
- REQUESTS the Regional Director:
- (1) to give high priority to prevention and control of NCD and to provide leadership in advocacy against NCD in partnership with key decision-makers and relevant agencies in the Region;
- (2) to support Member States to build capacity for NCD prevention and control;
- (3) to develop simple standard tools and protocols for NCD surveillance, supported by regional and national networks;
- (4) to support establishment and expansion of demonstration projects, and the development of national NCD programmes;
- (5) to promote and support research in priority areas related to NCD prevention and control, including behavioural and economic studies;
- (6) to support countries to develop and implement plan of action for 2000-2005 for the Western Pacific Declaration on Diabetes.