The WHO Global conference on NCDs, organized by the presidency of Uruguay and the World Health Organization, was held from18-20 October, 2017, in Montevideo, capital of Uruguay at which Dr.Rajitha Senarathne, Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine represented Sri Lanka on behalf of HE The President.

The Conference was attended by the President of Uruguay Dr.Tabare Ramon Vazquez, and President of several Latin American countries in inclueding Argantina, Peru, and Paraguay. Participating Government endorsed the Montevideo Roadmap 2018-2030 on NCDs as a Sustainable Development Prioritry at the Global Conference Dr.Rajitha Senarathna addressed the Ministerial Conference on NCDs on Sri Lanka’s strategy on NCD mitigation which is considered a success story by WHO. He also presented the progress Sri Lanka has made in strengthening mental health in the country and the country’s strategy in this respect was well received.

In his opening remarks, WHO Director – General Dr.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that intensified action is needed to respond to the global epidemics of noncommunicable disease (NCDs), primarily heart and lung disease, cancers and diabetes. The Global Conference focused on ensuring government policies are geared to promoting health and preventing and treating NCDs, and to support achievement of Sustainable Development Goal target 3.4 to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one – third by 2030.