This statement was delivered by the World Heart Federation at the 152nd session of the WHO Executive Board.
Honourable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
The World Heart Federation and its Members commend the WHO Secretariat for its update on the development of a WHO Framework on Well-Being.
We believe that addressing the main NCD and cardiovascular disease risk factors should be considered a foundation for well-being as well as an essential component of Universal Health Coverage and Primary Health Care.
In particular, tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of cardiovascular and other morbidity as well as mortality worldwide. Fortunately, the adoption of evidence-based policies and cost-effective interventions, such as tobacco cessation, can improve the well-being of populations.
As such, we urge Member States to:
• Scale up tobacco cessation services nationally and regionally, including through digital health solutions; and
• Fully implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Thank you.
