The recently formed Iranian NCD Alliance (INCDA) met with the Tehran Municipality authorities to bolster multi-sectorial cooperation and adress the urban challenges to health by supporting NCD prevention measures in Tehran.

In this first meeting, the representatives of INCDA and Tehran Municipality discussed about potential measures and policies that can lead to better health outcomes in Tehran. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between these two institutions increasing mutual cooperation in the following areas:

• Improvement of the walkways around the city to facilitate citizens' mobility (specially for those with disabilities), and reduce the spread of physical inactivity;

• Creation of smoke-free zones in Tehran by putting closed smoke rooms in public spaces;

• Establishment of weekly markets to allow the direct sale of farmers products and local manufacturers to encourage citizens to eat healthy and fresh food;

• Consideration of a discount for the use of shared bikes and sport clubs for members of INCDA.

In line with these efforts, the Iranian NCD Alliance also held the first Salmat-yar School Congress on 28 February 2019 in Tehran to expand awareness about NCDs and common risk factors among students and their parents, in partnership with school teachers.