Turning Resolutions into Results: Accelerating Action on Noncommunicable Diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

30 September 2025, Cairo, Egypt- The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean is convening a high-level virtual side event tomorrow to accelerate progress on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) across the Region. Titled "Turning resolutions into results: leveraging the 4^th UN High- Level Meeting to Accelerate Regional Progress on NCDs", the event builds on the momentum of the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, held in September 2025, and aims to translate global commitments into tangible regional outcomes.

The session will provide an overview of NCD-related progress reports presented to the seventy-second Regional Committee (RC72), followed by a panel discussion with international experts, civil society organizations, Member States, and other partners on strategies to achieve the regional NCD goals.

NCDs-including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and chronic respiratory conditions-are the leading cause of premature mortality globally and account for 66% of all deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Diabetes alone affects nearly 85 million adults, with the Region reporting the highest global prevalence (17.6%) and the highest proportion of diabetes-related deaths among working-age individuals (21.6%). Nearly one-third of cases remain undiagnosed.

The Region's vulnerability is compounded by humanitarian crises. With 38% of the world's population in need of assistance residing in the Region, emergencies and displacement severely disrupt access to care and essential services, exacerbating the NCD burden.

The event features several key topics:

Update on NCDs from UNGA and the Fourth High-Level Meeting, highlighting the renewed political vision and its relevance to regional priorities.

Surviving Diabetes in Emergency Settings, exploring how countries are adapting care models to reach displaced and vulnerable populations.

Progress on NCD Resolutions, including EM/RC68/R.5 on diabetes and EM/RC70/R.2 on NCDs in emergencies.

Country Spotlight, where Member States shared bottlenecks and practical solutions for integrating NCDs into emergency response systems.

WHO will present two progress reports-on diabetes and NCDs in emergencies-highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Country representatives also will share experiences implementing WHO technical packages such as HEARTS and PEN.

"We owe it to people living with NCDs to ensure sustainable care, protect dignity, and deliver on our commitments. I invite you today to share openly the challenges and successes. WHO remains committed to supporting Member States in scaling up the NCD "best buys" which are evidence-based, cost-effective measures across fiscal, legislative, and regulatory domains." said Dr Asmus Hammerich, Director of Noncommunicable disease and Mental Health department, WHO Regional Office for the eastern Mediterranean.

The event will conclude with a commitment to align regional strategies with the 2025 UN Political Declaration, which emphasizes equity, integration, and prioritizing populations in humanitarian settings. A summary report will be produced, outlining a prioritized list of actions agreed upon by WHO, Member States, and partners.

This gathering marks a critical step in transforming resolutions into results-and improving lives across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.