Equity and Integration to Prevent and Control Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)

Topic Description

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness are now the world’s leading causes of death. Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are not spread from person to person. Instead, they are linked to behaviors (like smoking, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise), air, water, soil/food, and chemical pollution, and genetics, all play significant roles in the global burden of NCDs.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 70% of global mortality, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where 77% of NCD deaths occur. People in poorer communities may not have access to healthy food, safe places to exercise, or affordable medicines. This makes equity a central issue: those who can least afford treatment are often the most at risk. To address this issue, it is important to focus on how can we ensure that all people—regardless of where they live or how much money they have—are protected from NCDs.

Despite their prominence, NCDs have historically received less political attention and funding compared to communicable diseases, creating what scholars call a “neglected epidemic.”

In response, some governments have introduced taxes on sugary drinks or tobacco to discourage unhealthy behavior. Others focus on community education, expanding primary care, or creating healthier urban environments. The role of the private sector—particularly food and beverage companies—is controversial because their commercial interests can conflict with public health goals, raising concerns that they may unduly influence policy decisions or weaken the effectiveness of measures designed to prevent NCDs.

The debate on this topic should consider how countries can balance prevention and treatment. Should they encourage stronger regulation of unhealthy products, or focus more on improving access to care? Should international cooperation prioritize funding for low-income countries, or emphasize national responsibility?

Another key issue is integration. NCD services must be built into existing health systems, not treated separately. This means linking prevention and treatment to mental health services, infectious disease programs, and universal health coverage.