The Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance (EM-NCDA) reaffirms its commitment to accelerating action on NCDs in the region. As a coalition uniting over 50 civil society organisations across more than 22 EMR countries, we call for urgent, multisectoral action to promote a healthy environment and strengthen the response to NCDs, especially in countries facing emergencies.
NCDs are the leading cause of death in our region, and their burden is rising. Additionally, repeated emergencies and conflicts in the many EMR countries disrupt health systems, making it even harder for vulnerable populations to access essential NCD care and medicine. We urge governments to integrate NCD services into emergency preparedness and response plans, ensuring that people living with NCDs are not left behind during disasters or conflict.
A healthy environment is foundational to NCD prevention. We call for decisive action to reduce exposure to NCD risk factors and regulate industries that drive NCD risk factors, such as tobacco, unhealthy food, and air pollution.
Governments must adopt and enforce policies that protect public health from commercial interests and industry interference, upholding commitments to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and other global agreements.
We emphasize the need for whole-of-government strategies that align health, environmental, and economic policies, and for robust accountability mechanisms that include civil society participation. Investment in resilient health systems, community engagement, and a strong health workforce is critical to ensure continuity of care during emergencies and to build back better.
The Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance stands ready to work with governments, CSOs, and international partners to advance these priorities and ensure a robust regional response to NCDs. We align with the Call to Lead and urge Member States to take decisive action in preparation for the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDS in September 2025, leveraging this opportunity to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) and health equity for all.
Thank You
