Statement to the 152nd Executive Board - UHC

World Obesity Federation welcomes preparations for the Second UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, however, we are concerned by the lack of progress to achieve UHC by 2030, as well as to meet WHO targets on NCDs. Comprehensive action to address obesity is vital for both.

Obesity, like other NCDs, requires prevention, management, and treatment. People living with obesity struggle to get a diagnosis, access care from trained healthcare professionals and incur significant costs for treatment. 1 billion people globally are estimated to be living with obesity by 2030, thus obesity services within the health system are increasingly essential.

The need for equitable access to a continuum of care from health promotion and disease prevention through to diagnosis, treatment and management of obesity as part of UHC was recognised in the new WHO recommendations on obesity, adopted last year. Investing in the prevention of obesity and obesity in primary care as part of UHC Is particularly important in LMICs where the obesity rise is greatest.

We urge Member States to integrate essential prevention and treatment of obesity and other NCDs into UHC, with a view that Primary Health Care must include obesity and NCDs as the cornerstone of a sustained, people-centred, and integrated health system and the foundation for achieving UHC.