Non-Communicable Diseases dubbed “lifestyle” diseases will receive sharp international focus at a United Nations (UN) Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Conference on 19 and 20 September 2011 in New York at United States of America (USA).
The high-level meeting is expected to address the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases worldwide, with a particular focus on developmental and other challenges and social and economic impacts, particularly for developing countries. The UN NCD conference informed by a resolution in one of the previous UN General Assembly meetings.
Health Deputy Minister, Dr Gwendoline Ramokgopa, has been chosen to lead a conference plenary session focusing on three topics which are:
- The rising incidence, development and challenges and social and economic impact of NCDs and their risks
- Strengthening the national capacities, as well as appropriate policies to address prevention and control of NCDs
- Fostering international cooperation as well as co-ordination to address NCDs.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are assuming alarming proportion in South Africa. They account for a larger number of deaths and therefore increase the diseases burden in the country. Currently South Africa is rated three times higher than developed countries according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the burden of NCDs. This is putting burden on the health system of the country.
In preparation for the UN NCD Conference, the Department of Health has held a national conference on 12 to 13 September 2011 at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Johannesburg.
For more information kindly contact:
Vukani Mnyandu
Cell: 083 923 0261
Tel: 012 395 8475
