Online platform to prevent non-communicable diseases

The UK Health Forum launched a new online platform for public health advocates working to prevent non-communicable diseases.

The new tool aims 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, which are:

• 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 the new parent platform is that it allows users to easily navigate between different networks, conversations and virtual meetings. Small and large networks will be able to co-ordinate their activities, collect and share information in one place and make important connections with peers and colleagues around the world working on similar issues.

Looking ahead, the platform will be expanded to accommodate other non-communicable disease related areas including alcohol harm reduction, prevention of vascular dementia and environmental factors such as air quality.

The networks on ncdlinks.org are moderated and to protect their integrity membership is subject to eligibility criteria. Joining is free of charge.

To access the platform visit www.ncdlinks.org.

The UK Health Forum is a charitable alliance of professional and public interest organisations working to reduce the risk of avoidable non-communicable diseases by developing evidence-based public health policy and supporting its implementation through advocacy and information provision. For further information visit www.ukhealthforum.org.uk.