‘€œThis is an historic first step in our fight against non-communicable diseases. NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung disease kill about 36 million globally each year with 80% of the deaths occurring in low- to middle-income countries,’€ said Nathan Grey from the American Cancer Society in a press statement.

‘€œThe goal for a 25%   reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025 (25 by 25) sets the stage for the adoption of additional goals aimed at   controlling NCD risk factors, including tobacco use, harmful use of   alcohol, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity, as well as goals   aimed at strengthening health systems and providing access to essential   medicines. ‘€œ

The NCD Alliance, a global advocacy organisation representing a network of more than 2000 civil society organizations led a major lobbying campaign, and mobilised its network to ensure this target was secured.

Ann Keeling, Chair of the NCD Alliance and CEO of the International Diabetes Federation declared: ‘€œThe 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: ‘€œFor 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 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 on tobacco, blood pressure, salt reduction and physical activity; and to consider adding further on targets relating to alcohol, obesity, fat intake, cholesterol and health systems responses such as availability of essential medicines for NCDs.

‘€œNCDs 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,’€ added Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

The fight is far from over

According to Grey, the adoption of the 25 by 25 goal is an important step forward for global health. ‘€œWe now have a goal to work towards and a goal that can be used to measure our progress and to hold policy makers accountable.

‘€œThe fight is far from over, but the first major battle has been won,’€ Grey concluded.

Sources: American Cancer Society, NCD Alliance