The United Nations (UN) has adopted a post-2015 development agenda, which includes a standalone target on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in addition to other NCD-related targets.

The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development addresses both the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and ways in which countries can implement practices and partner globally to realize these goals. Specifically, the UN has indicated 2030 as the target year to “reduce by one third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and wellbeing.” Other targets include strengthening the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and making essential medicines both accessible and affordable.

“The [UN] has recognized the critical importance of working toward reducing the burden of NCDs rather than simply treating the disease. The targets identified in the 2030 Sustainable Agenda are ambitious but achievable with an organized effort by the WHO and NCD Alliance,” said Gerard R. Martin, MD, FACC, chair of ACC’s Population Health Policy and Health Promotion Committee.  

The ACC, in partnership with its 50,000 global members and 34 International Chapters, looks forward to supporting these efforts.

Keywords: Cost of Illness, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Mental Health, Mortality, Premature, Tobacco, United Nations, World Health Organization

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