New tool to strengthen global collaboration against NCDs

A new platform "ncdlinks.org" was launched by UK Health Forum (UKHF) this week for public health advocates working to prevent NCDs. It is a unique new tool to strengthen global collaboration between professionals and advocates working in countries around the world through the exchange of information and expertise and networking between communities of action on topics including tobacco control, nutrition and physical activity.

The platform currently hosts three existing networks connecting 2,000 individuals working to tackle the global crisis in non-communicable diseases, their risk factors and determinants:

• Panacealink connecting those working in nutrition and physical activity
• Globalink connecting the tobacco control community
• CARIBAPAN connecting civil society organisations and others in the Caribbean in alcohol advocacy and prevention

The benefit of this new parent platform is that it allows users to easily navigate between different networks, conversations and virtual meetings. Small and large networks linked via ncdlinks.org will be able to coordinate their activities, collect and share information in one place and make important connections with peers and colleagues around the world working on similar issues.

Introducing the new platform, Helena Korjonen, director of information research services at the UK Health Forum said: “The public health workforce is diverse and not always well linked to the tools needed or to others working in the field. Enabling dedicated global networking is vital in building and supporting capacity in public health – making better use of scarce resources and sharing intelligence effectively.”

Looking ahead, ncdlinks.org will be expanded to accommodate other NCD-related areas such as alcohol harm reduction, prevention of vascular dementia and environmental factors such as air quality.

For more information visit: www.ukhealthforum.org.uk

Press release available for download here.