A new NCD Alliance discussion paper outlines major gaps as identified by NCD civil society that are delaying progress on the NCD agenda globally while an accompanying document points out how civil society can work to close the gaps.

To be launched at the Global NCD Alliance Forum 2020 on 9 February, the new brief, ‘Bridging the Gap on NCDs: From global promises to local progress’, details shortcomings in the following areas: Accountability, Care, Community Engagement, Investment and Leadership. It then proposes civil society-driven solutions, providing a resource for advocacy efforts seeking to stimulate progress on NCDs.

The gaps identified are based on survey data gathered from national and regional NCD alliances, who point the lack of political will and leadership, financial resources and government staff capacity / technical expertise, as well as industry interference, as key barriers limiting governments from scaling up NCD actions. Identifying the gaps is intended as the basis for strategic debate within the NCD community and with other allies on accelerating the NCD response.

The NCD ‘Civil Society Compass’ synthesises the findings in the brief and proposes actions as the basis for further NCD community development, discussion and action.

The two documents lay the foundation for NCD Alliance’s advocacy ahead of the next UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in 2025. Bridging the Gap is the theme for the 2020 Forum, which takes place on 9-11 February in Sharjah, UAE.