Meg's update: UN event: noncommunicable diseases; 6-16-11

In December 2010, the General Assembly requested President Joseph Deiss to organize an informal hearing with civil society organizations and the private sector to provide input on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, the recommendations of which will be offered for the prepared document at the High Level meeting in September. NCD are said to be the leading cause of deaths globally and are increasing. In 2008, 36.1 million people died from heart disease, strokes, chronic lung diseases, cancers and diabetes; nearly 80% of these deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries, Without action, the NCD epidemic is projected to kill 52 million people annually by 2030; strong causes of this epdemic continue to be lack of tobacco control and alcohol consumption. The WHO Framework Convention proposed raising taxes on tobacco, banning its advertising, and curbing smoking in public places. To counteract this global reality, national planning is critical and should include: methods of prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, medicines, palliative care, and safe technologies. Outstanding speakers made today's event memorable throughout.