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What is the Global NCD Alliance Forum?
The Global NCD Alliance Forum is NCDA’s flagship event, held biennially to unite the NCD movement, promote knowledge exchange, and strengthen advocacy for NCD prevention and control.
In 2025, the Forum, themed Leadership on NCDs towards 2025 and Beyond, will be hosted in Rwanda, in partnership with the Rwanda NCD Alliance, in collaboration with the Rwanda Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, and with thanks to our strategic partnership with The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
Strategically timed ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, it will serve as a critical platform for reflection, accountability, and coordinated action to secure strong outcomes and meaningful change for people affected by NCDs.
Noncommunicable diseases in sub-saharan africa
At a Glance
NCDs are rapidly becoming the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, posing significant threats to health systems and communities, and necessitating urgent and coordinated action to prevent a health crisis.
The upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in 2025 serves as a critical moment for countries to recommit to integrating care, expanding support, and improving outcomes for people living with NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Challenge
Over the past two decades, sub-Saharan Africa has experienced a dramatic increase in NCDs, with individuals facing daily challenges in managing their conditions, accessing essential care, and navigating a healthcare system that often lacks adequate resources and support.
In 2019, NCDs accounted for 37% of deaths in the WHO African Region, a stark increase from 24% in 2000. By 2030, NCDs are projected to surpass communicable diseases as the primary cause of mortality in the region, accounting for approximately 46% of all deaths.
In Rwanda specifically, NCDs were responsible for 50% of total deaths in 2022.
Although the prevention and control of some NCDs, such as hypertension and diabetes, have gained momentum over the past decade, in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, health system inequities continue to leave communities without vital access to care.
The Opportunities
Multisectoral Collaboration: Rwanda has exemplified effective multisectoral collaboration by implementing Universal Health Coverage alongside a National NCD Strategy (2020-2025), integrating health initiatives across various government ministries to address the complex drivers of NCDs and promote healthier lifestyles.
Sustainable Financing: Governments must collaborate with international partners to optimize resource allocation for NCD initiatives, ensuring increased funding and effective use of existing resources through innovative financing mechanisms like public-private partnerships.
Integrated Health Strategies: By linking health priorities within collaborative frameworks, countries can maximize resource use and improve health outcomes, integrating NCD prevention with programs for communicable diseases to enhance service delivery and resilience.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities and civil society organizations in health initiatives empowers individuals and tailors programs to specific needs, promoting participatory approaches that enhance health awareness and effectiveness.
Strengthened Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing transparent monitoring frameworks and involving civil society in oversight can enhance political commitment and drive action to reduce preventable deaths, fostering trust and collaboration in addressing the NCD burden.
NCDs by the Numbers
Cardiovascular diseases
- Account for 13% of all deaths and 37% of NCD-related deaths in Africa
Cancers
- In 2020, approximately 1 million new cancer cases and 700,000 deaths were reported in Africa.
- Africa represents 7% of global cancer incidence but suffers from 7% of global cancer deaths, with rates projected to exceed the global average by 30% in the next 20 years.
- Common cancers among adults include Breast cancer (16.5%) and Cervical cancer (13.1%).
Diabetes
- The number of people living with diabetes rose to 24 million in 2021, with projections of 55 million by 2045, reflecting a 129% increase.
Sickle cell disease
- Annually, 300,000 to 400,000 newborns are diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease globally, with 75% of these births occurring in Africa.
Access to care
- 90% of cancer patients in low-income countries lack access to essential treatments like radiotherapy.
- Globally, only 1 in 2 people diagnosed with diabetes has access to the insulin they need; in sub-Saharan Africa, this drops to 1 in 7.
- In sub-Saharan Africa, there is only 1 psychiatrist per 1,000,000 people.
A Call to Action
Political leaders, donors, and partners must recognize the escalating burden of NCDs in sub-Saharan Africa and act collectively at the upcoming High-Level Meeting on NCDs. This is a pivotal moment to commit to robust, integrated strategies that address the urgency of the NCD pandemic and improve access to essential healthcare. By prioritizing multisectoral collaboration and sustainable financing, we can ensure that communities have the resources and support they need to combat NCDs effectively. Let us use this opportunity to transform lives and health outcomes across the region and reaffirm our commitment to a healthier future for all.
Now is the time to take immediate, decisive action.
