The NCD Alliance — Putting non-communicable diseases on the global agenda

Non-communicable diseases are the World’s #1 Killer, bringing hardship to rich and poor nations alike.

NCDs make the largest contribution to mortality both globally and in the majority of low- and middle- income countries (LMCs). Worldwide, NCDs account for 60% (35 million) of global deaths. The largest burden - 80% (28 million) - occurs in LMCs, making NCDs a major cause of poverty and an urgent development issue.

NCDs in LMCs also put G20 nations at risk since we all benefit from healthy individuals and stable populations around the globe. 8 million die prematurely (below the age of 60) each year in LMCs from preventable causes which include tobacco use, unhealthy diets, alchohol consumption and physical inactivity. Lack of access to affordable medicines and health care services are also major causes of these premature deaths. Citizens around the globe are united around this cause, to tackle this epidemic at home and to help those in the developing world.

Globally, NCDs will increase by 17% in the next ten years, and in the African region by 27%. The highest absolute number of deaths will be in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions.

This rapidly changing health and disease profile has serious implications for poverty reduction and economic development. NCDs strangle macro-economic development and keep the bottom billion locked up in chronic poverty.

NCDs have a severe impact on individuals, communities and countries. The magnitude and rapid spread of NCDs means we are all headed for a sick future unless we take action now. Low-income countries still grappling with heavy burdens of infectious disease risk being overwhelmed by this wave of largely preventable NCDs.

Multimedia

Face Up To It
An animated video released at the UN Summit on NCDs by NCD Alliance Partners LIVESTRONG asking you to join the movement.

Unite in the Fight Against NCDs
An animated video released by the World Health Organization.

Delivering Hope
A short documentary featuring interviews with key leaders and examples of successful NCD programs in developing countries.

Interview with Ann Keeling, Chair of the NCD Alliance and CEO of the International Diabetes Federation
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
An inteview on key issues for the upcoming UN High Level Meeting in September.

Youth and Non-communicable Diseases in the Commonwealth
Produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat, with technical input from the UK Young Professional Chronic Disease Network, features case studies from London, Nairobi and New Delhi, as well as messages from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, HE Kamalesh Sharma, and Sir George Alleyne, Director Emeritus of the Pan American Health Organisation.

LIVESTRONG: Sign On
An animated video on the UN Summit from LIVESTRONG.

Spotlighting the NCD Problem
A short animated video by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)explaining what NCDs are, who they affect, and the importance of the upcoming UN High Level Meeting in September.

Act on Diabetes. Now.
An animated video from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF.

Unite In the Fight Against NCDs
World Health Organization
This films describes the issues, challenges and opportunities to scale up international action against NCDs with a special focus on the September 2011 UN Summit on NCDs.