Honourable Ministers
Mr. President
Mr. Secretary-General
Excellencies
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 (G77) and China, and welcome the convening of this timely high-level review of the progress achieved in the implementation of the 2011 Political Declaration on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

We wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the issue, the distinguished Permanent Representatives of Belgium and Jamaica to the United Nations, who have ably guided the process resulting in the successful conclusion of the outcome document of this event, and you, Mr. President, for having finalized the arrangements for the convening of this important meeting as well to the distinguish delegate from Trinidad and Tobago for all her efforts and coordination on this issue.

Mr. President

We recall that in 2011 we first addressed at the United Nations the issue of NCDs, which are the major cause of death in many countries, particularly our own, as the burden of these diseases is not only a critical health issue, but also constitutes a significant challenge to achieving our development objectives. This august body must therefore continue to play a fundamental role in dealing with the prevention and control of NCDs and in ensuring that they are appropriately addressed in the context of the international development agenda.

As we currently undertake the exercise of reviewing the progress achieved since 2011, we must re-commit to achieving the goals set forth in the Political Declaration, as well as to increase efforts aimed at the prevention and control of NCDs, particularly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as other non-communicable diseases which contribute to the global burden, such as mental and neurological disorders.

Mr. President

We recognize that NCDs are largely preventable, as well and that there are a number of cost effective interventions which could be implemented by States to reduce the risk factors which contribute to their development, as well premature mortality and the lack of productivity associated with these diseases.

Accordingly, while recognizing the primary role of Governments in addressing the health needs of their populations, we call for the strengthening of cooperation at all levels and the intensification of engagement with all relevant stakeholders given that a truly multisectoral approach, which involves sectors beyond health, is required to effectively prevent and control the incidence and prevalence of NCDs and mitigate their burdensome socio-economic impact.

Mr. President

Another important aspect in tackling the issue of NCDs relates to the establishment or strengthening of effective systems at all levels to assess and address their impact, and monitor and evaluate progress in their treatment, prevention and control. In this regard, the G77 and China welcomes the progress made by States to develop policies at the national level as well as to allocate the requisite resources for their implementation. Nonetheless, we note that in general, progress in addressing NCDs since 2011 has been insufficient and uneven due to a number of challenges including the need for capacity building in States, as well as for adequate resources to effect the implementation of strategies and programmes.

In this regard, Mr. President, while we commit to building on efforts underway, we call for the strengthening of effective partnerships through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation, as well as for the fulfillment of all Official Development Assistance Commitments which would assist national efforts in the fight against NCDs. We also underscore the fundamental role of other International Organizations, International Financial Institutions, the private sector and civil society in efforts to prevent and control these diseases.

As it is particularly essential to monitor the resources allocated to addressing NCDs as part of the monitoring and evaluation framework, we welcome further support in this area to develop or strengthen national capacities as appropriate.

Mr. President

While we have acknowledged that NCDs are largely preventable, there is also a great need for treatment through the provision of essential medicines and vaccines. We therefore take the opportunity to underscore on this occasion the important need to ensure access to safe, affordable, effective and quality medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for the treatment of NCDs, and recognize the key role that generic drugs have played in this regard, particularly in the developing world. Accordingly, we reaffirm our right to use, to the full, the TRIPS flexibilities, as confirmed by the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health, as well as acknowledge the need to effectively implement the Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health as important tools to help develop national capacities in developing countries to strengthen public health and to ensure universal access to medicines and medical technologies.

Mr. President

Since 2011, the World Health Organization has finalized a number of useful global strategies and tools to assist in addressing NCDs. We consequently welcome this important contribution to which includes the Global Action Plan on the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020, the action plan indictors to monitor progress on its implementation, and the Global Coordination Mechanism on the Prevention and Control of NCDs.

Given the need for increased multisectoral action and coordination on this issue, including within the entire United Nations system, we also welcome the establishment of the United Nations Inter Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of NCDs, and look forward to actively engaging with the Task Force in this regard. We also look forward to the assistance of the Task Force to support national efforts to develop appropriate capacities for the prevention and control of NCDs.

Mr. President

In closing, the G77 and China reiterates its full commitment to addressing NCDs and to working together with all relevant partners, at all levels, and across sectors in this regard. We will also continue to strongly support the prioritization of NCDs in the international development agenda in order to ensure that they are adequately addressed particularly as they present significant challenges to the health and productivity of our People as well as to the overall development of our countries.

I thank you.