ZNAN rallies participation in Global Week for Action on Non-communicable Diseases

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Jacob Ngwenya, the Director of the Zimbabwe NCDs Action Network (ZNAN) is calling on stakeholders to participate in the Global Week for Action on Non-communicable Diseases.

“The Zimbabwe NCDs Action Network is joining the NCD Alliance and the rest of the NCD movement worldwide in commemorating the Global Week for Action on NCDs scheduled for 15 to 22 October 2024. As a network, we call upon every progressive Zimbabwean to join the movement and call on our government to turn the tide on NCDs. This year’s campaign takes place under the theme of leadership. This year we are preparing for the High-Level Meeting on NCDs taking place next September and call on governments and decision-makers to take bold steps and ensure a strong political declaration as an outcome of the meeting. We need country leaders, state leaders, community leaders, and civil society leaders to step up. Together we can spark the necessary change for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and all other NCDs.

“One of the ways you can get involved and support the campaign is to sign The Call To Lead open letter which urges governments to mobilise investments for NCDs, fast-track implementation of effective policies on the national level, and deliver accountability by regularly reporting to citizens on the promises made. We were very happy to receive support from the HIV community signing the open letter earlier this year. We hope that other movements and allies will follow suit,” Ngwenya said.

The Global Week for Action on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) is a crucial initiative that aims to accelerate progress in preventing and controlling NCDs worldwide. Held annually from October 15-22, this campaign seeks to ensure that NCD prevention and management receive the attention and action they deserve from governments, donors, international agencies, and the private sector.

Why is it important?

NCDs, such as cancers, diabetes, mental health conditions, and chronic respiratory diseases, are the leading cause of death and disability globally, accounting for 74% of all deaths and more than three out of four years lived with a disability ¹ ². If left unchecked, NCD deaths could rise to 52 million per year by 2030 ¹.

Key objectives:

– Raise awareness_ about the impact of NCDs on individuals, families, and communities

– Promote accountability_ among governments and stakeholders to fulfill their commitments to prevent and control NCDs

– Mobilize action to address the social, economic, and environmental determinants of NCDs

– Support advocacy efforts to prioritize NCDs in national and global health agendas

How can one get involved?

– Join the conversation on social media using hashtags like #ActOnNCDs and #LeadOnNCDs

– Share your personal story or experience with NCDs

– Participate in local events and activities organized by health organizations and advocacy groups

– Demand action from your government to prioritize NCD prevention and control

By working together, we can make a difference and reduce the burden of NCDs on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Let’s take action and make our voices heard!