In this seminar, Professor Ala Alwan will describe how the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) impacts on global health and development. Based on his extensive experience as an international public health leader at WHO, he will discuss the global journey to addressing NCDs and the lessons learned. He will discuss barriers to progress and potential ways forward. He will engage in a facilitated discussion with a panel of students and fellows from the College and with the audience to discuss issues raised by his talk and his experiences as a global and country-level leader.

Attendance is free, but please register in advance. Full details and registration at https://www.wolfson.cam.ac.uk/about/events/continuing-rise-non-communicable-diseases

About Professor Ala Alwan

Professor Ala Alwan is an international public health leader who has held senior roles in the World Health Organization (WHO) including being Head of WHO Country Offices, Director of key public health programs, Assistant Director-General at WHO headquarters, and Regional Director for the Middle East (EMRO). He has a distinguished track record in improving prevention and response to non-communicable diseases, mental health disorders, health security threats, health emergencies and crises management, environmental health threats, violence, road safety, and nutritional challenges. He has also held key country-level roles, including being Minister of Health and Minister of Education in Iraq.