The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board has agreed to table proposals at the World Health Assembly in May to expand the definition of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to include cirrhotic liver disease and inherited bleeding disorders such as haemophilia.
Egypt, which sponsored the resolution on cirrhotic liver disease, told the board the condition affects more than 1.7 billion people globally, driven by metabolic risks, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. The proposal seeks formal recognition and integration of liver disease into the global NCD response — including surveillance, prevention strategies, primary healthcare management and national NCD plans.
Armenia, introducing the resolution on haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders, said the move aims to address chronic under-diagnosis and limited prioritisation of these conditions and improve access to essential treatment and care.
WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Jeremy Farrar described NCDs as one of the defining health challenges of the 21st century, following extensive deliberations involving nearly all member states. The board heard that NCDs already account for over 80% of deaths in the Western Pacific region, while many countries are struggling with rising burdens of diabetes, heart disease and hypertension linked to poor diets and physical inactivity.
Most countries have also fallen short of NCD targets under the Sustainable Development Goals, with ageing populations expected to intensify pressures. Farrar warned against over-reliance on treatment rather than prevention, noting WHO reforms that merge health promotion, disease prevention and care into a single division to encourage a more holistic approach.
UN declaration in focus
Discussions also centred on implementing the UN Political Declaration on NCDs and mental health adopted in December after last year’s High-Level Meeting. The text, opposed only by the United States and Argentina after being referred to the UN General Assembly, sets 2030 targets including 150 million fewer tobacco users, 150 million more people with controlled hypertension, and expanded access to mental health care for another 150 million people.
It further commits countries to strengthen policy and regulatory measures on NCDs, ensure wider availability of essential medicines and technologies in primary healthcare facilities, and improve financial protection for related services.
However, the NCD Alliance expressed concern over the influence of health-harming industries, arguing that commitments were weakened through reduced prevention targets, removal of proposed health tax benchmarks and omission of fossil fuels as drivers of NCD risks.
Farrar acknowledged the importance of political declarations but stressed that implementation — supported by WHO assistance — will ultimately determine impact on public health outcomes.
