Statement by MMI and PHM read at the 64th WHA on Non Communicable Diseases

The NCDs initiative is too narrow in particular we believe it should include mental health. It is disappointing that there is no reference to the work of the CSDH in the report. Unhealthy behaviors do play an important role in determining NCDs however there are structural determinants like education, income, gender and ethnicity which are underlying causes of NCDs and behavioral risk factors. Clearly there are important equity dimension of NCDs as emphasized by CSDH and these variations are closely linked to the social and environmental factors; not just individual behaviors. Therefore if the UN General Assembly is to provide an action-oriented outcome document preventive measures for social and environmental factors must be included.

Read full statement here.