Accelerating action on noncommunicable diseases to promote health, protect rights and save lives

A nurse in Rwanda holding "Accelerate Action" card
©Fabrice Hakizimana

World Health Day 2026

Shaping a future-fit health workforce to address the growing burden of NCDs

While facing a growing burden of NCDs, many low- and middle-income countries are struggling with a shortage of health staff. In addition, health workers often lack the necessary skills to manage patients with NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. To respond to these challenges, Novo Nordisk Foundation and East Africa NCD Alliance are supporting the transformation of the education of health professionals for a more integrated, people-centred and efficient NCD prevention & care.

Read the blog

NCDs – a global health threat with actionable solutions

With smart investments, strong leadership, and people-centred policies, we can reduce preventable deaths, strengthen health systems, and create healthier, fairer societies.

Woman doctor in Kenya smiling at the camera in outside hallway of hospital
©BBC Storyworks/NCD Alliance

Learn more: What are NCDs and how can we act?

Noncommunicable diseases — including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health and respiratory conditions, as well as kidney, musculoskeletal, oral, eye and ear conditions, and many others — are the world’s leading causes of death and disability. But most are preventable or manageable.

Discover the evidence-based policy solutions that work, and how bold policies, smarter investment, and community leadership can save millions of lives.

Explore NCDs

NCD Alliance – a powerful, people-driven movement

Our network unites civil society, advocates, and people living with NCDs across diseases, risk factors, and geographies. We work with partners at every level — from local champions to global institutions — united by a vision of a healthier, more equitable world. Together, we drive change through bold advocacy, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to equity.

people smiling at kigali car free day in front of ncd alliance forum sign
©Gilberto Lontro/NCD Alliance
lady on a podium smiling during the global ncd alliance forum in kigali
Two people african decent holding up 'act on ncds' signs

Discover our network 

Man in Malawi on the back of a tuk tuk
Samuel Kumwanje portrait
NCD voices
“Living with chronic kidney disease has made me realise that advocacy isn’t just about policy – it’s about saving lives. Together, we can build systems that don’t leave people behind.”
Samuel Kumwanje
NCD advocate living with chronic kidney disease in Malawi
NCDA leadership in UN HQ for the Multi-Stakeholder Hearing 2025

Our work

See the impact. Join the movement.

From prevention to care, financing to community engagement — our work is driving change where it matters most.

Explore how we’re turning commitment into action across our four impact goals — and how you can be part of it.

Discover our work

Latest news & blogs
Announcement
New partnership between NCDA and Haleon to promote a more inclusive noncommunicable diseases response
Doctor examining sick patient in face mask
©Shutterstock
Blog
Shaping a future-fit health workforce to address the growing burden of NCDs
A nurse in Rwanda holding "Accelerate Action" card
©Fabrice Hakizimana
News
SPARK–NCD launch in Zanzibar highlights momentum for integrated HIV-NCD care in Africa
advocates at an event on hiv ncd integration in zanzibar smiling
Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, Joanna Laurson-Doube, Katie Dain and Bent Lautrup-Nielsen at the SPARK-NCD continental launch event in Zanzibar.
Latest resources

See all resources

Latest podcasts & videos
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Health systems
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Children and young people
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Norway walks the talk on NCD investment
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©NCD Alliance
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©NCD Alliance
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5 minutes 58 seconds
People living with NCDs
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Physical inactivity
Fiona Bull: Motivating a population to move
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Cancer
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©BBC Storyworks/NCD Alliance
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Back to basics: What are NCDs?
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Cancer
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Combining care to save lives
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Cancer
How Tanzania is improving cancer outcomes for women
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A holistic approach to healthcare
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When small things can make a big difference in health
When small things can make a big difference in health
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Healing words
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Keep the beat
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NCD care in a global crisis
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A vision of hope
A vision of hope
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Reforming health systems
Reforming health systems
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Access to hope
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The beat of change
The beat of change
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Living without limits
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Humanitarian settings
New relief for NCDs
New relief for NCDs
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Upcoming Events
8th Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC 2026) 49th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL49)
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