A global challenge
Noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases are now among the most common causes of death worldwide. According to the WHO, they account for around 85 percent of all deaths. Their prevalence is rising particularly sharply in developing and emerging countries. There, these diseases often encounter weak health systems, delayed diagnoses, and limited access to treatment and prevention. The growing burden of NCDs thus represents a key challenge for global health – medically, economically, and socially.
Many of our members are committed to improving care and prevention for noncommunicable diseases worldwide. They bring innovative medical technology, diagnostic solutions, and pharmaceutical products into healthcare systems, strengthen early detection, and enable better access to vital treatment through local partnership programs. This creates sustainable solutions that meet the needs of the affected regions – from state-of-the-art laboratories to local training for medical professionals.
Noncommunicable diseases are also a potential focus for future health partnerships. The private sector is already engaged in this area – for example, with projects like the Ghana Heart Initiative, which, together with local stakeholders, improves the management of cardiovascular diseases in primary care. Such approaches demonstrate that through cross-sectoral collaboration, NCDs can be effectively addressed and sustainable structures created – for the benefit of patients worldwide.