This global status report is the second in a triennial series tracking worldwide progress in prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The majority of NCDs are preventable. This report gives encouraging evidence that premature NCD deaths can indeed be significantly reduced worldwide. The primary target audience of this report are Ministers of Health. The report provides information on voluntary global targets and how to scale up national efforts to attain them, in a sustainable manner. The 2010 baseline estimates on NCD mortality and risk factors are provided so that countries may begin reporting to WHO on progress made in attaining targets, starting in 2015. The country case studies on successful prevention and control of NCDs highlighted in the report can be instructive for others facing similar challenges. As discussed in this report, there is an agreed set of very cost-effective -- and globally applicable -- NCD interventions for attaining all nine targets by 2025. This second global status report comes at a time when only a decade is left to achieve the internationally agreed voluntary global NCD targets. It is also a time when we can be more optimistic about the future prevention and control of NCDs, than perhaps at any stage in recent history. In order to attain the global NCD targets, governments, international partners and WHO will need to work together, sharing and exchanging evidence and information and taking the necessary steps for reducing gaps in capacity and resources.

The Progress Monitor provides data on the 19 indicators detailed in the Technical Note for all of WHO’s 194 Member States. The indicators include setting time-bound targets to reduce NCD deaths; developing all-of-government policies to address NCDs; implementing key tobacco demand reduction measures, measures to reduce harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets and promote physical activity; and strengthening health systems through primary health care and universal health coverage.