site.btaHealth Minister Speaks at Meeting of UN General Assembly on Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases

Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov took part in the Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being, Kirilov's Ministry reported on Friday. The forum aims to adopt a new, ambitious and achievable political declaration on NCDs and mental health conditions towards 2030 and beyond in order to accelerate global NCD prevention and control.

A number of heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and health ministers presented their countries' views on the subject. Kirilov, who represented Bulgaria at the forum, spoke highly of the UN's efforts to prevent and control chronic noncommunicable diseases in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In his words, sharing common principles, experience, and good practices is invaluable.

The Minister pointed out that Bulgaria has implemented several consecutive national programmes for the Prevention of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases, following a multisectoral approach and focusing on risk factor reduction, early detection, monitoring, and assessment of the spread of leading noncommunicable diseases. 

The successful establishment of a network of health mediators in Bulgaria was noted as a key approach to the success of actions at the national level, and the upcoming launch of two screening campaigns—for colorectal cancer and cervical cancer—was highlighted as a significant expansion of opportunities for cancer prevention.

Kirilov emphasized that oral health is an integral part of chronic noncommunicable disease prevention and recalled the Declaration on the Establishment of a Global Coalition on Oral Health adopted in 2024.

He concluded that Bulgaria is confident that improving the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and increasing the effectiveness of international cooperation in the field of healthcare will lead to improved health and well-being worldwide.