CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev sent greetings to the organisers and participant of the ceremonial session marking the 15th anniversary of the Moscow Declaration on Healthy Lifestyle and Noncommunicable Diseases, held as part of the 5th National Congress with International Participation, National Healthcare 2026.
The message noted that the Declaration, adopted in April, 2011, following the First Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyle and Noncommunicable Disease Control, had become a landmark document in global public health. The passage of time has confirmed its tremendous relevance, as the fight against noncommunicable diseases is not merely a medical challenge, but also an important factor in the sustainable economic development and the preservation of human potential.
“The ceremonial session is a natural complement to the agenda of the Year of Health Protection in the Commonwealth of Independent States and the 35th anniversary of the CIS establishment. This important interstate initiative is aimed at coordinating joint efforts to systematically develop national healthcare systems and foster a sustainable environment for diseases prevention across the Commonwealth,” Sergey Lebedev stressed in his message.
He also noted that non-communicable diseases remain one of the most acute challenges both globally and across the CIS. Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory diseases continue to account for the largest share of mortality and disability. Effectively addressing these threats requires long-term strategic planning.
“A clear example of this approach is the updating of the Strategy ‘Health of the CIS Member States Population’, aimed at creating a common space for health and sustainable development across the Commonwealth until 2035. The updated draft document incorporates the key provisions of the Moscow Declaration in a coordinated manner. This ensures continuity with international experience and makes it possible to adapt global goals systematically to the Commonwealth integration objectives,” Sergey Lebedev noted.
He also highlighted the leading role played by the Russian Federation in this area. As the key interstate programmes initiator Russia actively shares its unique experience in establishing modern perinatal and vascular centers, introducing advanced preventive medical examination technologies and implementing large-scale national projects promoting healthy lifestyle, thereby setting high standards for the entire region.
“The Russian Research Institute of Health, the CIS basic organisation for public health and healthcare informatisation, plays an enormous practical role in carrying out these tasks. Its expert work in healthcare digitalisation, the introduction of intelligent data analysis systems and the development of common monitoring standards enables our countries to coordinate their efforts promptly and build a scientifically grounded model for protecting public health,” Sergey Lebedev said in his greeting.
He also recalled that a notable event during the Year of Health Protection was the announcement of the results of the International Competition Leader of Healthcare in the CIS Countries. The projects submitted by the winners and award recipients clearly demonstrated that the new generation of specialists not only shares the enduring values of the Moscow Declaration, but is also ready to advance its principles through new technologies.
“This constructive energy of young people, combined with the extensive expertise of the today’s session participants, will lay a solid foundation for the future development of integration cooperation in healthcare,” the CIS Secretary-General said.