Strengthening Civil Society Advocacy for NCDs within the Lusaka Agenda Framework

The event will empower civil society organizations (CSOs) to advocate for the effective integration of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) into health systems within the Lusaka Agenda framework. Launched in December 2023, the Lusaka Agenda outlines five key shifts aimed at strengthening primary health care, promoting sustainable and domestically financed health services, achieving equity in health outcomes, ensuring strategic coherence, and coordinating research and development efforts.

This session will highlight how CSOs can leverage these shifts to influence policy, enhance accountability, and mobilize communities for resilient health systems. The Roadmap for Implementing the Lusaka Agenda, developed through consultations with key stakeholders, emphasizes the alignment of external support with national plans while advancing toward domestically financed health systems and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Given the rising burden of NCDs and their frequent co-morbidities with infectious diseases, CSOs are uniquely positioned to advocate for the integration of NCDs into national health strategies, ensuring they receive adequate attention, resources, and sustainable funding. Through their advocacy, CSOs can help bridge gaps in healthcare systems, prioritize NCDs alongside infectious diseases, and contribute to achieving equitable health outcomes in line with the Lusaka Agenda’s vision for resilient and integrated health systems.