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VitalTalks

Investing in Health: NCD Prevention and COVID-19 Recovery

Watch: English or Español

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer account for 7 out of 10 deaths worldwide, with inequitable impacts where poverty is high. As the world continues to navigate the pandemic, governments must prioritize smart and strategic investments to reduce the growing burden of NCDs and close the widening health gaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On the sidelines of the World Health Assembly, Vital Strategies and NCD Alliance held a special VitalTalks on proven policies that governments can adopt to tilt away from ill health and showcase examples of leadership on NCD prevention.

The event was moderated by Amanda Glassman, Executive Vice President and Senior Fellow, Center for Global Development with remarks from José Luis Castro, President and CEO, Vital Strategies and Nina Renshaw, Policy and Advocacy Director, NCD Alliance.

Speakers included: 

  • Lynn Moeng-Mahlangu, Director of Health Promotion and Nutrition at the Department of Health, South Africa
  • Alison Douglas, Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus Scotland
  • Nandita Murukutla, Vice President, Global Policy and Research, Vital Strategies
  • Pierre Cooke Jr., Youth Voices Technical Advisor, Healthy Caribbean Coalition, Barbados
  • Monika Kosinska, Head Economic and Commercial Determinants of Health, World Health Organization