20 December ׀ 2011 Geneva -- In response to paragraphs 61 and 62 of the Political Declaration of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (resolution 66/2), WHO has developed a discussion paper outlining a comprehensive global monitoring framework and the technical background for developing a set of voluntary global targets for the prevention and control of NCDs, for consideration by Member States.

The proposed framework is expected to be applicable across regional and country settings, including through multisectoral approaches, to monitor trends and to assess progress made in the implementation of national strategies and plans on NCDs.

The suggested targets will be measured in 2025 against a baseline in 2010. The proposed indicators are intended to be used to assess progress and achievement towards the targets. The proposed data sources describe the origins of information for the indicators. The examples of targets have been developed by WHO following scientific review of the current situation and trends of NCDs, combined with a critical assessment of the evidence base for interventions and feasibility, based upon demonstrated country achievement.

This work responds to a call to action included in the Political Declaration to develop, with the participation of Member States, and through the WHO Governing Bodies in 2012, a comprehensive global monitoring framework and prepare recommendations for a set of voluntary global targets for the prevention and control of NCDs.

WHO Member States are invited to submit their views by sending an email to [email protected].

An informal consultation with Member States will take place on Monday, 9 January 2012 and Tuesday, 10 January 2012 to review WHO’s ongoing work to develop a comprehensive global monitoring framework and recommendations for a set of voluntary global targets for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. WHO invites Member States to send an email to Ms Karina Wolbang-Sakulin ([email protected]) confirming their participation, including the coordinates of the delegate(s) who will attend the informal consultation.

Following this consultation, a proposal on the global monitoring framework and voluntary global targets will be developed for consideration by Member States at the World Health Assembly in May 2012.

Background documents on the consultation can be downloaded here.

Source: WHO