Why would you like to be on the NCDA Board of Directors?

As a passionate advocate for the prevention and control of NCDs, I am seeking re-election to the NCDA Board to continue amplifying the voices of young people and people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. I bring an intersectional perspective rooted in both research and advocacy, with a strong commitment to advancing equitable policies in cancer and broader NCD care.

As a Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Cancer Policy at King’s College London and a Commissioner on the Lancet Commission on Women and Cancer, I have championed critical issues such as early detection, stigma, and health system gaps in cancer care. My continued engagement with WHO and global youth networks has fuelled my advocacy for the meaningful inclusion of PLWNCDs in the NCD agenda and for greater equity in cancer and NCD prevention. This includes my leadership roles with WHO’s Youth Council and the Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network.

Through the Healthy India Alliance, I have supported the development of India’s civil society agenda on NCDs and led policy advocacy on air pollution, healthy food systems, and youth-focused action. As we approach the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, I believe the NCD Alliance can play a transformative role in elevating cancer and youth health on the global agenda.

I would be honored to continue serving on the Board to advance intergenerational leadership, evidence-based policy translation, and regional prioritization of cancer, climate, and UHC—ensuring PLWNCDs remain central to decision-making.

What makes you a good candidate for the NCDA Board of Directors?

I bring over a decade of cross-cutting experience in NCD prevention, cancer research, and youth-led advocacy both at the national and global level by working at the intersection of implementation science, health systems, and equity.

My work spans leading research and implementation projects in adolescent NCDs, cancer prevention and control, and equitable access to care. I currently serve as a member of the NCD Working Group of the WHO Youth Council, where I guide global engagement strategies for young people and people living with NCDs. Through my coordination of the Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network (YP-CDN), I support youth-led action across various LMICs.

Nationally, my work with the Healthy India Alliance has supported the development of India’s civil society agenda for NCDs. Through initiatives like Our Views, Our Voices, I have engaged with people living with NCDs and coauthored scientific pieces on topics such as the impact of high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods on young people and the dual burden of COVID-19 and NCDs. I have also worked closely with the NCD Alliance to advocate for NCDs and train media personnel on NCDs. My strategic, technical, and interpersonal skills make me well-suited for continued service on the NCDA Board.

I aim to strengthen the presence of LMIC voices, especially young changemakers and PLWNCDs, in regional and global spaces. With a special focus on cancer care, youth leadership, and the evolving climate-health nexus, I am committed to shaping NCDA’s next chapter with bold, equity-driven vision.

Biography

Dr Ishu Kataria is a Senior Public Health Researcher at RTI International and Visiting Researcher at the Institute of Cancer Policy, King’s College London. She holds a PhD in Public Health and Nutrition and works on NCD prevention, cancer control, and youth health. She has experience in developing and implementing programs focused on adolescent NCDs, cancer prevention, and mental health. Dr Kataria is a member of the NCD Working Group on the WHO Youth Council and the Global Coordinator of the Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network. She also served as a Commissioner on the Lancet Commission on Women and Cancer and works closely with the Healthy India Alliance to support civil society advocacy on NCDs in India. Her work integrates equity and policy engagement, with a strong commitment to representing LMIC perspectives, voices of young people and PLWNCDs in the global NCD response.