Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), are the leading cause of death globally, with more than 36 million deaths annually, primarily from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases. Commonwealth countries share a significant burden of NCDs, with nearly 400 million individuals currently diagnosed with at least one NCD.
Each year, around 10 million Commonwealth citizens die because of lifestyle-related illnesses, with the highest prevalence among Small Island Development States (SIDS). Trans fats are major contributors to cardiovascular diseases and stroke and are widely considered a low hanging-fruit which could prevent up to 17 million deaths by 2040.
Whilst the Commonwealth has had a long-standing commitment to addressing NCDs, further action is required to advance progress towards our 2030 Sustainable Development Target 3.4.
On Thursday, 27 October 2022, the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with Resolve to Save Lives and the World Health Organization (WHO) will host a webinar that will bring together member countries, partner organisations and other key stakeholders to share best practices and resources to accelerate trans fat elimination.
Key discussions will include:
- The current burden of trans fats in the Commonwealth
- Country and regional efforts towards creating and enhancing trans fat elimination policies
- Recommendations for further action to achieve global targets on trans fats
Register now
For further information, please contact the Commonwealth Secretariat Health Team at [email protected].
Media contact
- Angela Kolongo Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- T: +44 7587 881503 | E-mail
