The World Health Organization (WHO) defines NCDs as chronic diseases, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), respiratory diseases, and mental health conditions, which are caused by factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, and air pollution.

According to WHO statistics, 39.5 million people died in 2015 due to NCDs, comprising approximately 70% of all causes of mortality. Efforts to scale-up the prevention and control of NCDs are gaining momentum internationally. Following the First and Second High-Level Meetings in 2011 and 2014, the Third High-level Meeting on NCDs was held in 2018 at the United Nations General Assembly. Heads of state and government leaders adopted a political declaration which reaffirms the need to further strengthen national commitments and which will contribute to achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Global Targets Related to NCDs

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3: Target 3.4 — “Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment by 2030”
• WHO Global strategy for the prevention and control of NCDs: 2013-2020 Action Plan — “Reduce by 25% premature mortality from NCDs by 2025”

The NCD Alliance (NCDA), a collaborative platform for civil society, was launched in 2010 by four international federations (the International Diabetes Federation, the Union for International Cancer Control, the World Heart Federation, and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease) to tackle a variety of NCD-related issues. Active in over 170 countries and with a network spanning approximately 2000 organizations, the mission of NCD Alliance is to unite and strengthen civil society to stimulate collaborative advocacy, action, and accountability for NCD prevention and control.