Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said that the increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) threaten the worldwide economic growth, health and living standards achieved in the past.
Speaking at the “High-Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases” at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, the Vice President noted that the immediate action needed for success in the prevention and control of NCDs is a “strong and sustained political leadership at the highest level” and “health systems strengthening with a focus in primary healthcare and cost effective preventative measures”.
In his speech, Dr Waheed underscored the steadfast relation of the prevention of NCDs with climate change and low carbon policies, which the Maldives always emphasizes at international podiums.
The Vice President called for more responsibility and accountability at national, regional and global levels, in taking preventative measures for NCDs and monitoring the progress made, at regular intervals.
Commending the efforts of World Health Organisation and other UN agencies and non governmental organizations, for initiating various health missions in the international community, Vice President Dr Waheed noted the support provided by the UN and the international community, in the growth of the health sector in Maldives. He also underlined the importance of similar contribution, for the prevention and control of NCDs in the country.
