ACT NOW OR PERISH: A CALL TO ACTION ON NCDs

Reliable evidence from WHO sadly reveals that only a handful of countries across the world are on track to reduce by one-third the premature mortality from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by 2030 and meet #SDG target 3.4. This could be a “rude awakening” local and global health actors have to painfully accept.

Because how can this revelation not be true when countries, especially those in the East African Community (EAC), have not enacted necessary policies to protect cardiovascular health? As NCD advocates, we have done our part and we haven’t stopped either. We have provided plethora of evidence on how enacting #transfat policies could help reduce cardiovascular deaths. But what have we gotten in return? Have we witnessed any meaningful intervention/action? Your answer is a good as mine.

We honestly feel governments in #EAC are turning a deaf ear to us. However, take this to the bank; we will not tire until something is done. We will continue pushing for enactment of #regulations on #industrially produced transfats because we compellingly believe this is a surefire way of protecting cardiovascular health.

If you think we are lamenting, then think again. Because we are not. We calling governments in #EAC to ORDER, I mean to #ACTION. We need to hurriedly translate commitments to REAL action. The recently concluded #UNGA 78 acknowledged that REAL action is needed. No more talking; at least not now when the deadline for achieving #SDGs is approaching fast and furious.

This is the thing. #Practical intervention, coupled with progressive #policies including those limiting industrially produced transfats are urgently needed. This is the only way we will reduce the burden of #NCDs and fast-track achievement of SDG target 3.4.

With the pathway analyses in the NCD Countdown 2030 report showing that, in 2021, all countries still had opportunities to achieve SDG target 3.4 by 2030, countries in EAC have a perfect chance to seize this opportunity to do the needful; enact #transfat regulations.

This is #TheMoment4Caring, for protecting cardiovascular health. If we enact regulations on industrially produced transfats, and accelerate action on other remaining fronts, EAC could leapfrog over advanced nations and play in its on league, healthwise. Shall we?