N o n - c ommu n i c a b l e d i s e a s e s a n d d i s a b i l i t i e s Almost a third of people living in the Commonwealth are below the age of 30 Commonwealth countries will contribute significantly to addressing NCDs globally, as well as providing a cohesive and coherent forum for collective learning and sharing, for its members and the world. Human rights, NCDs and universal health coverage The World Health Organization (WHO) considers universal health coverage (UHC) as, ‘by definition, a practical expression of the concern for health equity and the right to health’ (WHO, 2012) and, as such, discussions surrounding the need for UHC are enshrined in various international human-rights instruments.1 In the lead up to the finalisation of the SDGs, the international community has recognised the need to include UHC in the post- 2015 development agenda, especially so as to ensure the effective and efficient protection and promotion of the rights of children and adolescents to health.2 A rights-based policy requires that all health-related discussions are anchored in the life-course approach. This is imperative given that health is an important cross-cutting development and human-rights issue that extends to underlying social determinants, including the right to access clean water, nutrition and housing. It should also encompass environmental issues, education and access to information on topics such as sexual and reproductive health (CESCR, 2000). Nevertheless, member states have an obligation to ensure that when they consider these issues, the best interests of the child are the primary consideration in all policy decisions. Any discussions related to UHC must, therefore, also focus on the specific health needs of children and adolescents, and must ensure adequate and quality child- and adolescent-focused health facilities and programmes are accessible, affordable and available. Moreover, the realisation of this right requires particular attention to increasing interaction with young people, and their participation at all stages of health system design and operation. While the ‘progressive realisation’ of the right to health is based on the availability of resources, this human right does have ‘core minimum obligations’ that member states must respect, protect and fulfil (CESCR, 2000). These obligations must be prioritised and include access to essential primary health care, and the adoption and implementation of a national public health strategy and plan of action. Deliberate steps and action must be taken by member states to ensure the maximum available resources, including those available through international assistance and co-operation, are utilised to progressively realise the right to health and to ensure UHC, which includes appropriate attention to the needs of children and youth with NCDs. Prevention in adolescents In 2011 the World Health Assembly endorsed a resolution calling upon member states to address the needs of youth in the context of NCDs. In 2002 the WHO Director’s Report noted that unhealthy 96 Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 © J webb / istock
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above