At the EB, Jo made interventions on a number of agenda items, to ensure the patient perspective was shared on a range of healthcare policy issues.

Non-communicable diseases
The EB discussed the action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases which will run from 2013-2020. The EB also discussed the global monitoring framework which will monitor the progress towards achieving the objectives outlined in the action plan.

IAPO’s intervention highlighted that the action plan should:

• Explore opportunities to prevent and manage other NCDs outside of the four prioritised by WHO
• Reflect the importance of partnerships with patients’ organizations in the prevention and management of NCDs
• Fully integrate with the global monitoring framework to maximise its impact

Read IAPO’s intervention on NCDs
Read IAPO’s press release on the intervention

WHO Reform
WHO is undergoing a process of reform, including the way it interacts with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as patients’ organizations. The EB discussed this proposed policy.

IAPO’s intervention highlighted that:

• Patient involvement is essential to WHO’s work
• IAPO has developed a set of recommendations for WHO’s policy on working with NGOs
• IAPO is fully supportive of WHO’s activities to improve transparency and accountability in its interactions with NGOs

Read IAPO’s intervention on WHO Reform
Read IAPO’s press release on the intervention

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
The Millennium Development Goals are due to come to an end in 2015 and will be replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Executive Board discussed the process for the post-2015 development agenda, including how WHO is consulting with other stakeholders.

IAPO’s intervention highlighted:

• The need to consider the societal and economic impact of NCDs within the post-2015 development process
• The importance of a patient-centred approach in the post-2015 agenda
• The importance of a consultative process in the post-2015 development process

Read IAPO’s intervention on the millennium development goals
Read IAPO’s press release on the intervention

Twelfth General Programme of Work
WHO is developing its Twelfth General Programme of Work which will define WHO’s priorities from 2014-2019.

IAPO’s intervention highlighted:

• IAPO’s commitment to working with WHO
• The need for a patient-centred approach in all of WHO’s programmes and works
• That preventing and managing chronic disease is a major health challenge now and in the near future

Read IAPO’s intervention on WHO’s Twelfth General Programme of Work
Read IAPO’s press release on the intervention

What is the Executive Board?
The Executive Board is composed of 34 individuals who have been designated by a Member State. These Member States have been elected to the Executive Board by the World Health Assembly. Member States are elected for three-year terms. The main functions of the Executive Board are to ensure the implementation of the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly, to advise it and to facilitate its work.

IAPO’s role
As an NGO in official relations with WHO, IAPO has the right to appoint a representative to participate in WHO's meetings. At meetings such as this, IAPO is able to make statements on agenda items and can facilitate the attendance of its members.