This sectoral brief is tailored specifically to local governments. It expands upon the following key points regarding what they need to know about NCDs:

• Urbanization is driving noncommunicable disease (NCD) epidemics.
• NCDs threaten the resiliency and sustainability of cities.
• There are cost-effective initiatives at municipal and local level that can prevent NCDs while delivering wider societal benefits.
• Prevention must be a central component of NCD responses.
• Those responsible for urban planning have a fundamental responsibility to tackle NCDs and their socioeconomic impacts.
• Tackling NCDs provides an opportunity for government, the private sector and civil society to work together to make life-saving, lifeenhancing differences for entire city populations.