Nepal has been facing the emerging threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDS) due to rapidly increasing unplanned urbanisation and to changing lifestyle, inactivity. The use of harmful alcohol, tobacco, and air pollution are other contributing factors, according to reports presented by representatives at the 74th session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia today

The member countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region discussed accelerating progress to prevent and control NCDs including oral health and integrated eye care at the virtual session held today.

The discussion was also held on progress on universal health coverage and health-related sustainable development goals (SDGs). Universal health coverage (UHC) has been a flagship priority programme of the Regional Director, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh since 2014. The UHC progress is reviewed closely, annually.