ABSTRACT
A whole-of-government approach encourages different sectors to collaborate, identify and act towards mutually beneficial gains (‘win-wins’) whilst avoiding policies and actions that conflict. Too often sectors work in siloes, with incentives not always aligned with public health. It is important that different parts of government are clear on their respective responsibilities in delivering country action to address NCD prevention and control. This requires shared understanding and agreement on aims and objectives in all sectors that can impact on NCD policies and programmes, sufficient incentives to act, quantifiable targets and a commitment to monitor and account for progress. This chapter outlines actions that ministries beyond health can take to strengthen national responses to NCDs, including: agriculture; education, sports, children and youth; environment and energy; finance and planning; food and drugs; foreign affairs; internal administration/home affairs; justice and law; labour and employment; media, information and communication; social and family welfare; trade; and urban planning and transport. The chapter also describes approaches for working effectively across sectors. The chapter also discusses the role and importance of heads of state and government, legislative bodies and cities and local councils in tackling NCDs. Persistent misperceptions around NCDs debilitate and undermine whole-of-government responses and these are briefly discussed.
