East Africa Community NCD framework unveiled
Karagire said the framework comes in handy given the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the region which presents major public health challenges.
Rwanda NCD Alliance chairperson Professor Joseph Mucumbitsi (right in glasses) handing over a copy of the East Africa Community framework to Rwanda health minister Dr Yvan Butera. Looking on are officials from the World Diabetes Association, East Africa NCD Alliance and Danish NCD. (Credit: Agnes Kyotalengerire)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
KIGALI - In the bid to integrate comprehensive non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention and management, health innovation and multi-sectoral collaboration, the East Africa Community (EAC) Framework has been launched.
Rwanda health minister Dr Yvan Butera launched the framework as part of the activities for the opening of the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum at the Conventional Centre in Kigali, Rwanda on February 13, 2025.
EAC Secretariat monitoring and evaluation expert Itete Karagire said the framework comes in handy given the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the region which presents major public health challenges.
Worth noting IS that health systems worldwide are increasingly strained by the growing burden of NCDs, which are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, mainly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Despite commitments to universal health coverage (UHC), many countries and regions lack comprehensive strategic frameworks to address NCDs and have not fully utilised health innovation and technology to improve care, Karagire said.
The framework is hinged on five objectives including the promotion of public awareness and community engagement with civil society playing a key role. It also aims at improving access to comprehensive services and strengthing data surveillance among others.
Karagire said there is need to organise resources and start implementing the framework.
NCD burden
In Kenya, about 27% of deaths are related to NCDs, followed by Burundi with 32%, Rwanda with 33%, Uganda with 33% and Tanzania between 41-44% of death cases are linked to non-communicable diseases.
About the Global NCD 2025 Forum
The 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum is the first to be held in sub-Saharan Africa under the theme: Leadership on NCDs towards 2025 & beyond, the three-day forum has attracted over 700 advocates, experts and ministerial representatives from over 66 countries working in non-communicable disease prevention and care.
The Forum is a key global health event in the lead-up to the 4th United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs taking place in New York in September.
The groundbreaking event is co-hosted by the NCD Alliance and Rwanda NCD Alliance, in collaboration with the Rwanda Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre.