‘Sharjah Declaration on Global NCDs for Children and Youth Forum’ poised to drive concerted Global Action

SHARJAH, 27th March, 2019 (WAM) -- The first Global Non-communicable Diseases, NCDs, for Children and Youth Forum in Sharjah has concluded with the Friends of Cancer Patients, FOCP, announcing the Sharjah Declaration on the Global NCDs for Children and Youth Forum.

Congratulating the attendees, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Royal Patron of FOCP, emphasised the importance of the event in accelerating Sharjah’s efforts to find solutions to the rising incidences of NCDs in children and youth. Sharjah is developing itself as a stronghold for the best treatment for their children suffering from non-communicable diseases, she added.

The Sharjah global declaration had laid out seven key pillars, adopted by the forum’s participants to strengthen collaborative action and commitment in their respective countries. The declaration will be disseminated to various government entities and ministries for effective legislative changes and have a positive impact on policy decisions.

The declaration stipulates the following: Recognising the deep, lasting impact of NCDs on family health and wellbeing; Acknowledging positive change, that starts with care for families and communities, then extends to the health centres; Recognising young leaders as essential partners for NCDs prevention and control and ensuring their participation in global NCD advocacy and policy campaigns, consultations, and coalitions; Innovate and promote proven, evidence-based developments, to address all NCDs including childhood cancer, palliative care and pain relief, and vaccines capable of preventing cancer; Commit to the life course approach to NCDs, and organise life-long primary care for NCDs through Universal Health Coverage; Actively address family health literacy, to improve understanding about NCDs prevention and control, with consideration of the cultural and social context; Empower all, including young people affected by NCDs, to share their health stories and lived experiences, to strengthen advocacy and to guide stakeholders who seek to make lasting improvements in family health and wellbeing.

Sawsan Jafar, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, FOCP, said, "It was a marvellous two days of presentations, participation, deliberations, and information exchange. We have all felt a wonderful sense of cohesion towards the common goals of the forum, laid out in the 7-point declaration. I would also like to send a very special thank you to her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi for being the patron of the two-day forum and for her personal dedication and support and gracious presence during these two days."

Stressing on the importance of the worldwide adoption of this declaration, Dr Mychelle Farmer Chair – NCD child said, "Our declaration will focus on family health and well-being to recognise the deep and dark impact it leaves on families. We acknowledge the positive change that begins from families, which is carried through to the communities, young leaders, who are recognised as essential partners for NCDs’, prevention, control and management. They are all essential partners in global advocacy for NCDs in all aspects."