Statement by International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
I would like to commend WHO and the Director General for the tireless efforts to halt the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, while noting the need to accelerate progress to meet SDG target 3.4.1
As the only global intergovernmental organisation exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development, IDLO believes that the law is a powerful tool to prevent and control NCDs. Through cost-effective legal, policy, and fiscal measures, countries can accelerate progress towards meeting the NCD targets.
Since 2019, through the Global Regulatory and Fiscal Policy Capacity Building Programme (Global RECAP), which we are pleased to see mentioned in the report, IDLO has been working in close collaboration with WHO and other partners to support Low and Middle-Income Countries to build legal and regulatory capacities to prevent NCDs. Thanks to the support of the Government of Switzerland we have provided support to Bangladesh, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Uganda. With additional support from the European Union, other countries will soon join the RECAP Programme to receive support.
In reaffirming the importance of rule of law-based approaches to prevent and control NCDs, IDLO reiterates its commitment to support countries to enhance progress towards SDG 3.4 and looks forward to continued collaboration with WHO and partners to turn the tide against NCDs.