Countries agree on framework to monitor noncommunicable diseases
The first ever global monitoring framework to combat noncommunicable diseases was agreed by WHO Member States on 9 November. It aims to focus global efforts by assessing progress in reducing illness and death due to heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease; measuring reductions in exposure to risk factors like tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity; and monitoring national health systems’ responses to these killers.