DESCRIPTION: The non-communicable diseases often referred to as lifestyle diseases, such as: heart diseases, cancer and diabetes are currently responsible for 63% of all deaths worldwide. 80% percent of these deaths occur in the low- and middle-income countries, where the diseases are increasing rapidly, affecting younger population, and have much worse outcome than in the industrialized countries. This Forum will inform and stimulate discussion related to the health and economic burden of the main non-communicable diseases in the specific countries of the Middle East and North Africa. During the presentation speakers will highlight local and regional approaches and solutions across policy and financing, prevention, early detection, treatment and the long-term management of the diseases.