Introduction:

Ogweno Stephen, a dedicated advocate for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), recently spoke at the World Health Assembly on the crucial topic of Appendix 3. This session, titled “Unpacking the expansion of NCD ‘best buys’ and their investment case,” brought together global thought leaders to discuss the significance of implementing the NCD ‘best buys’ outlined in Appendix 3 for national NCD prevention and control. Ogweno Stephen highlighted the importance of prioritizing these interventions and ensuring that lived experiences inform government priorities. In this blog post, we will delve into the key points raised by Ogweno Stephen during the panel discussion and provide a link to watch the full session.

Understanding Appendix 3:

The World Health Organization’s Appendix 3 on “Best Buys” for Noncommunicable Diseases serves as a comprehensive guidance document, offering evidence-based strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs. It provides governments, policymakers, and healthcare professionals with a menu of policy options categorized into various domains such as tobacco control, healthy diet and nutrition, physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, and health systems response.

Key Interventions and Recommendations:

The interventions outlined in Appendix 3 are proven to be cost-effective and impactful in reducing the risk factors and impact of NCDs. They include measures such as increasing tobacco taxes, implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies, promoting healthy diets, encouraging physical activity, reducing harmful use of alcohol, and strengthening health systems to provide integrated care for NCDs.

Ogweno Stephen’s Perspective:

During the panel discussion, Ogweno Stephen emphasized the need for governments and stakeholders to prioritize the implementation of Appendix 3. He stressed the importance of adopting these evidence-based interventions to address the growing burden of NCDs effectively. Ogweno Stephen also highlighted the significance of incorporating lived experiences and community voices into decision-making processes to ensure that policies align with the needs of the population.

Watch the Full Session:

To gain a deeper understanding of the panel discussion and Ogweno Stephen’s insightful contribution, we invite you to watch the full session. Click on the link below to access the video:

Conclusion:

Ogweno Stephen’s participation in the World Health Assembly panel on Appendix 3 underscored the need for governments to prioritize and implement evidence-based interventions for NCD prevention and control. The Appendix 3 provides a valuable resource to guide policymakers in making informed decisions and allocating resources effectively. By adopting the recommendations outlined in Appendix 3, countries can make significant progress in reducing the burden of NCDs and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.