A/RES/66/2 20. Recognize that the most prominent non-communicable diseases are linked to common risk factors, namely tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity; 21. Recognize that the conditions in which people live and their lifestyles influence their health and quality of life and that poverty, uneven distribution of wealth, lack of education, rapid urbanization, population ageing and the economic social, gender, political, behavioural and environmental determinants of health are among the contributing factors to the rising incidence and prevalence of noncommunicable diseases; 22. Note with grave concern the vicious cycle whereby non-communicable diseases and their risk factors worsen poverty, while poverty contributes to rising rates of non-communicable diseases, posing a threat to public health and economic and social development; 23. Note with concern that the rapidly growing magnitude of non-communicable diseases affects people of all ages, gender, race and income levels, and further that poor populations and those living in vulnerable situations, in particular in developing countries, bear a disproportionate burden and that non-communicable diseases can affect women and men differently; 24. Note with concern the rising levels of obesity in different regions, particularly among children and youth, and note that obesity, an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity have strong linkages with the four main non-communicable diseases and are associated with higher health costs and reduced productivity; 25. Express deep concern that women bear a disproportionate share of the burden of caregiving and that, in some populations, women tend to be less physically active than men, are more likely to be obese and are taking up smoking at alarming rates; 26. Note also with concern that maternal and child health is inextricably linked with non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, specifically as prenatal malnutrition and low birth weight create a predisposition to obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes later in life, and that pregnancy conditions, such as maternal obesity and gestational diabetes, are associated with similar risks in both the mother and her offspring; 27. Note with concern the possible linkages between non-communicable diseases and some communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, call for the integration, as appropriate, of responses to HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases, and in this regard call for attention to be given to people living with HIV/AIDS, especially in countries with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, in accordance with national priorities; 28. Recognize that smoke exposure from the use of inefficient cooking stoves for indoor cooking or heating contributes to and may exacerbate lung and respiratory conditions, with a disproportionate effect on women and children in poor populations whose households may be dependant on such fuels; 29. Acknowledge also the existence of significant inequalities in the burden of non-communicable diseases and in access to non-communicable disease prevention and control, both between countries, and within countries and communities; 30. Recognize the critical importance of strengthening health systems, including health-care infrastructure, human resources for health, and health and social protection systems, particularly in developing countries, in order to respond 4