The NCD Alliance has published a detailed response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) draft on a 2013-2020 global action plan on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The alliance's 4-point plan includes recommendations on leadership, aim, and scope; principles, objectives, and action points; resourcing and implementation; and measuring progress, reporting, and accountability.  

The plan says that the absence of a formal mechanism at the global level to catalyze multisectoral action and collaboration on NCDs has been a major weakness in the global NCD response to date. In 2011, the United Nations mandated governments to work with "all relevant stakeholders" to strengthen action on NCDs through effective partnerships, the alliance says.  

According to a 2010 report from WHO, physical inactivity is 1 of 4 risk factors that contributes to 80% of all NCDs. The other 3 risk factors are tobacco use, the harmful use of alcohol, and poor diet.

Last year, APTA's House of Delegates adopted Physical Therapists as Expert Providers for Exercise and Physical Activity—recognizing physical therapists as health service delivery providers of choice to prevent or treat NCDs and their related risk factors. The position holds that APTA seeks participation in the development and/or update of physical activity or exercise guidelines for NCDs.