WHO Working Group proposes targets to achieve major reductions in NCDs by 2025

A WHO technical working group, composed of international experts in NCD surveillance and WHO staff members, recently released their recommendations for targets to monitor progress in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The working group established targets following scientific review of the current situation and trends, combined with a critical assessment of feasibility based upon demonstrated country achievement.  The targets have been set to achieve major reductions in NCDs and their risk factors by 2025 -- the baseline for all targets is 2010.

The targets for achievement by 2025 include:

• 25% relative reduction in overall mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease
• 10% relative reduction in prevalence of diabetes
• Halt the rise in obesity prevalence
• 25% relative reduction in prevalence of raised blood pressure
• 70% of women between ages 30-49 screened for cervical cancer at least once
• 25% increase in the proportion of breast cancers diagnosed in early stages

Noncommunicable diseases are the leading global cause of death, responsible for an estimated 36 million deaths, with 80% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).  NCDs, mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases, are largely preventable.Feasible and cost-effective interventions exist to reduce the burden and impact of NCDs now and in the future. Sustained action to prevent risk factors and improve health care will avert millions of preventable premature deaths.