Understanding the UNHLM: A Community Guide

speaker1

Welcome to our podcast, where we dive into the world of global health and policy. I'm your host, and today we're joined by a knowledgeable co-host to discuss the United Nations High-level Meeting (UNHLM) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This meeting, set for 2025, is a crucial event that will shape the future of health policy worldwide. Let's start by understanding what the UNHLM is all about.

speaker2

Hi everyone! I'm really excited to be here. So, what exactly is the UNHLM? Is it just another big meeting, or is there something more significant to it?

speaker1

Great question! The UNHLM is a high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, where heads of state and government, along with other key stakeholders, come together to address major global health issues. In this case, the focus is on Non-Communicable Diseases, or NCDs, which include conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. The meeting is a critical platform for setting global health agendas and making commitments to improve health outcomes.

speaker2

That sounds really important. What are the key objectives and focus areas of this meeting? Are there specific goals they're trying to achieve?

speaker1

Absolutely. The key objectives of the UNHLM on NCDs include reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting will also focus on strengthening health systems, improving access to essential medicines and technologies, and addressing the social and economic determinants of health. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of NCDs is most severe.

speaker2

Wow, those are some ambitious goals. How can the community get involved and advocate for these changes? What role can we play?

speaker1

Community involvement is crucial. People can advocate for stronger policies and funding for NCD prevention and control at the local, national, and global levels. This can include supporting organizations that focus on NCDs, participating in awareness campaigns, and engaging with policymakers. The UNHLM also includes a web-based consultation process where individuals and organizations can provide input and share their perspectives on key priorities and recommendations.

speaker2

That's really encouraging to hear. What are some of the expected outcomes of this meeting? What kind of impact do you think it will have?

speaker1

The expected outcomes include the adoption of a new political declaration that will serve as a framework for global action on NCDs. This declaration will likely include commitments to specific targets, strategies, and actions. The impact of the UNHLM can be significant, as it can lead to increased funding, better policy implementation, and greater collaboration among countries and organizations. Ultimately, it aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of NCDs globally.

speaker2

Those are some really positive outcomes. What are some of the challenges that the meeting might face, and how are they being addressed?

speaker1

One of the main challenges is ensuring that all countries, especially those with limited resources, have the capacity to implement the recommended strategies. Another challenge is overcoming political and economic barriers that can hinder progress. To address these, the WHO and other organizations are providing technical assistance, promoting sustainable financing, and fostering global cooperation. The preparatory process leading up to the UNHLM includes various meetings and consultations to gather input and build consensus among stakeholders.

speaker2

That's really comprehensive. How does the preparatory process work, and what kind of consultations are taking place?

speaker1

The preparatory process is quite extensive. It includes a series of meetings and consultations involving WHO, member states, non-state actors, and other stakeholders. These consultations help to gather diverse perspectives and ensure that the final political declaration is informed by a wide range of voices. Some key events include the International Strategic Dialogue on NCDs and the SDGs, the WHO Global and Regional Technical Meeting on Addressing NCDs in Emergencies, and the Health4Life Fund, which aims to catalyze financing for country action.

speaker2

It's fascinating to see how much goes into preparing for such a significant meeting. Can you give us some historical context? How have previous meetings addressed NCDs, and what has been the impact?

speaker1

Certainly. The first UNHLM on NCDs was held in 2011, and it marked a significant milestone by recognizing NCDs as a major global health challenge. Since then, there have been subsequent meetings in 2014 and 2018, each building on the progress made and setting new targets. For example, the 2018 meeting resulted in the adoption of the Political Declaration on NCDs, which outlined specific commitments and actions. The impact has been notable, with increased awareness, improved policies, and enhanced collaboration, but there's still a long way to go.

speaker2

That's really helpful to understand the historical context. What role does the WHO play in all of this, and how do member states contribute to the process?

speaker1

The WHO plays a central role in leading and coordinating global efforts on NCDs. It provides technical guidance, supports member states in implementing strategies, and monitors progress through various reports and data. Member states are crucial as they are responsible for implementing the commitments and policies agreed upon in the UNHLM. They also provide input and feedback through the preparatory process and participate in the negotiations leading up to the final political declaration.

speaker2

It's clear that the WHO and member states have a lot on their plate. What is the future vision for NCDs, and what are the long-term goals beyond 2025?

speaker1

The future vision is ambitious. Beyond 2025, the goal is to achieve a world where NCDs are no longer a major health burden. This involves sustained efforts to reduce risk factors, improve healthcare access, and strengthen health systems. The long-term goals include achieving the SDG target of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030 and continuing to make strides towards universal health coverage. The UNHLM in 2025 will be a critical step towards realizing this vision.

speaker2

Thank you so much for this insightful discussion. It's clear that the UNHLM on NCDs is a vital event that will have a significant impact on global health. I'm excited to see the progress and outcomes in the coming years. Thanks for tuning in, everyone!

speaker1

Thank you for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on global health and policy. Until next time, take care and stay healthy!