World Cancer Research Fund International, supported by NCD Alliance, World Obesity Federation and Movendi International, welcome Member States’ recognition at the 154th Executive Board to address social determinants of health, and share their concern for the slow progress and insufficient uptake of the Commission’s 2008 recommendations.

To right the injustice of vulnerable populations experiencing shorter and unhealthier lives with high levels of stigma, we urge Member States to engage with and commit to the recommendations within the forthcoming World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity. This would support improvements across cancer, other NCD and obesity care continuums, particularly in prevention.

We also encourage Member States to address how commercial actors impact health and health equity, including implementing policies (such as the NCD Best Buys) to improve protection from health-harming industries such as alcohol, tobacco, and food products high in fat, salt and sugar.

Thank you.