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

Blog

Health systems and humanitarian responses must be designed around people, not borders

On World Refugee Day, Abdihakim Kosar, Reproductive Health Coordinator at the Kenya Red Cross, reflects on his experience working with refugees. 

In his blog for NCDA, he highlights how displacement disrupts care for people living with NCDs and why access to health must be guaranteed across borders, especially in humanitarian settings.

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.

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.

Two people african decent holding up 'act on ncds' signs
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
Blog
Prepared in calm for crisis: Universal health coverage and social participation as the backbone of pandemic prevention, preparedness and response
A doctor explaining to a boy how he will do a Covid testing
Blog
Health systems and humanitarian responses must be designed around people, not borders
The author and two colleagues from the Danish Red Cross at the Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya.
News
Our Views, Our Voices initiative 2026 training supports new lived experience advocates
Latest resources
Latest podcasts & videos
Upcoming Events
AIDS 2026, the 26th International AIDS Conference 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81)
Share options: