Nairobi, Kenya – From 5th to 7th November 2024, the African Union (AU) and Africa CDC convened the second meeting of the Multisectoral Taskforce on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Injuries, and Mental Health (NCDIMH) in Nairobi. The gathering marked a pivotal moment in addressing the continent’s pressing health challenges, aligning efforts with Agenda 2063’s vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa.

Attended by representatives from 12 AU departments, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), international partners such as WHO and the World Diabetes Foundation, and experts, the meeting underscored the critical need for multisectoral action. The delegates reviewed the draft governance structure and Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the taskforce, developed priorities for 2025, and mapped strategies for the AU’s position at the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health.

Highlights of the Meeting:

• The taskforce evaluated year-one achievements, identifying strategies to reduce NCD-related deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.
• A focus on road safety, mental health literacy, and commercial health determinants, such as tobacco control and trans-fat reduction, was endorsed.
• Recommendations were made to strengthen governance, improve resource mobilisation, and incorporate civil society and private sector engagement in combating NCDIMH challenges.

Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz of Africa CDC highlighted that addressing these issues requires a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, leveraging partnerships to address the root causes of NCDs and mental health conditions.

As a tangible step forward, the meeting participants demonstrated heightened commitment to operationalising the taskforce’s priorities, with a governance structure aimed at enhancing accountability and sustainability across African nations.

The Africa CDC will finalise technical guidelines and governance documents, while taskforce members will implement a costed work plan for 2025, strengthening advocacy and technical coordination across the continent.

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For further information, please contact:                     

Ms. Whitney Mwangi I Health Communication and Advocacy Specialist | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, | African Union Commission | E-mail: WhitneyM@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org 
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