Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong Appointed to World Health Organization High-level Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases

1           Minister for Health Mr Gan Kim Yong has been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a member of the High-level Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

2           The Commission on NCDs aims to identify innovative ways to curb the world’s biggest causes of death and extend life expectancy for millions of people. The Commission will support ongoing efforts to accelerate action on cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes and respiratory disease, as well as reducing suffering from mental health issues and the impacts of violence and injuries.

3           The Commission consists of 22 eminent persons, including representatives of governments, United Nations (UN) agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the private sector, philanthropic foundations, and academic institutions, with the appropriate geographical and gender balance. All members of the Commission are appointed in their personal capacity to provide objective and balanced opinions on the topics to be discussed. The Commission is co-chaired by

• Mr Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland;

• Mr Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka;

• Mr Tabaré Vázquez, President of Uruguay;

• Dr Veronika Skvortsova, Minister of Healthcare, Russian Federation; and

• Dr Sania Nisthar, Former Federal Minister, Pakistan and Founding President of Heartfile. 

4            Mr Gan Kim Yong said, “I am honoured to be appointed to the Commission. Noncommunicable diseases continue to pose a major health challenge to Singapore and the world. In Singapore, NCDs are responsible for more than 80% of the total disease burden. In 2016, Singapore declared War on Diabetes and mobilised the nation to tackle one of our most pressing NCD concerns. I look forward to sharing Singapore’s experience, exchanging views with our global counterparts, and contributing to the work of the Commission."