NGOs criticise Non-Communicable Diseases Political Declaration for violating right to health

NEW DELHI: A group of more than 70 public health non-government organisations (NGOs) has asked the United Nations (UN) to take strong and quick actions against the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Political Declaration on the ground of its clauses that go against the Right to Health. This declaration is drafted by some developed countries like Canada, Japan, the United States and European Union.

According to the global coalition of health NGOs, the declaration on NCDs violates the human rights through time-bound targets and robust States commitments. It does not comply with the obligations of the countries needed to fulfill the clause of Right to Health. The group has criticised developed countries for including such clauses in their political declaration that reduces the effectiveness of the prevention and treatment of NCDs.

The NGOs also fear this political declaration would undermine access to medicines for millions of people living in the developing countries. “The richer, more powerful countries are putting global health at risk for trade interests and economic gain,” said Sandeep Kishore of the Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network.