'Robust health policies will curb rising NCDs'

KIGALI - Global health experts have called for the implementation of robust health policies to curb the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa.

NCDs have in recent years emerged as a significant public health and socio-economic challenge across the continent, accounting for nearly 37% of all deaths annually. 

This figure is expected to rise, driven by urbanisation, lifestyle changes and limited access to preventive care, among others.

The increasing prevalence of NCDs is a threat to Africa’s youthful population and economic stability, as healthy populations are essential for sustained economic growth.

Speaking at the Road to UNGA 2025 high-level meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs session at the AHAIC 2025, Philippa Carolyn Kibugu Decuir, a 30-year-old breast cancer survivor and global advocate, shared how her sister succumbed to breast cancer due to a lack of awareness about the disease.

She represents millions of African women facing similar challenges.

Kibugu Decuir said in poor countries, 68% of women are unaware of breast cancer, and up to 80% of women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are diagnosed at a late stage (stage III or IV), compared with just 15% in high-income countries.

Experts say NCDs are preventable if action is taken beyond discussions. However, many individuals are diagnosed only in the late stages of the disease. (All Photos by John Musenze)

Economies threatened

According to Senzo Peter Mthembu, a health economist and lecturer at the University of Cape Town, the escalating burden of NCDs threatens to destabilise economies by reducing workforce productivity and increasing healthcare costs.

He emphasised that the cost of treating advanced NCDs far exceeds the investment required for prevention and early detection, placing immense pressure on already strained health systems.

“As we prepare for the UNGA High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September, it is critical that we work together to raise the profile of NCD prevention and care in the global health agenda. We must build strategic partnerships and collaborate across sectors to ensure that NCD integration into health systems is prioritised by all governments in Africa,” Mthembu said.

“If we don’t invest in prevention today, we will pay a heavy price in the future,” he added.

Mthembu said Africa’s youthful demographic presents a unique opportunity to address this challenge. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the continent can harness the potential of its young population to drive economic growth and development.

This approach requires comprehensive health policies that prioritise NCD prevention and control, along with multi-sectoral collaboration to integrate sustainable NCD care into health systems.

Invest in prevention

Vital Strategies CEO Dr Mary-Ann Etiebet emphasised the importance of investing in preventive measures and early detection to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems. 

She advocated for policies that promote healthy lifestyles and environments, stating, “by prioritising prevention and early intervention, we can reduce the incidence of NCDs and ensure a healthier future for Africa's youth.”

According to Etiebet, NCDs are preventable if action is taken beyond discussions. However, many individuals are diagnosed only in the late stages of the disease.

“What we would need to do is just increase the price of unhealthy commodities, tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, by 50%. Just increase the price by 50%, and we would save 50 million lives in 50 years. Health taxes are the solution for scale!” she said.

“By taxing unhealthy commodities that significantly contribute to NCDs, we make them less accessible and affordable—reducing consumption of the very products that drive disease,” she added.

Etiebet stressed that this prevention strategy not only reduces disease prevalence but also serves as a source of funding for health systems. Countries would face fewer preventable diseases while reducing crippling healthcare debt.

World Health Organisation (WHO) director Dr Benido Impouma highlighted the need for robust health policies and systems to address the rising prevalence of NCDs, including the use of technology for screening and managing the disease burden. 

He underscored the importance of integrating NCD care into existing health services and strengthening primary healthcare to ensure early detection and management.

“In Africa, NCDs are killing our productive workforce, those between 35-65 years. It is also destroying Africa’s economy; it is a socio-economic problem in Africa,” Impouma noted.

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Empower communities with knowledge

NCD Alliance Rwanda executive director Alphonse Mbarushimana emphasised the role of community engagement and behaviour change communication in combating NCDs.

He indicated that empowering communities with knowledge and resources enables individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

“Community engagement is key to fostering healthy behaviours and preventing NCDs,” Mbarushimana stated.

With Rwanda’s initiatives, such as community health insurance and Kigali Car-Free Day, the community is sensitised, screened, and treated for NCDs, according to Mbarushimana.

The intersection of climate change, nutrition, and NCDs is another critical area that requires attention. Climate change exacerbates food insecurity, leading to poor nutrition and increased vulnerability to NCDs.

Food security concerns 

Addressing these interconnected issues necessitates policies that promote sustainable agriculture, ensure food security, and mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

Equitable access to care is essential in the fight against NCDs. Disparities in healthcare access contribute to the unequal burden of NCDs across different populations. 

Implementing policies that ensure all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to preventive and curative services is vital for reducing NCD-related mortality and morbidity.

The upcoming UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025 presents an opportunity for global leaders to commit to actionable solutions. 

By fostering collaboration among communities, caregivers, policymakers, and the private sector, sustainable NCD integration into health systems can be achieved. 

This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the complex and multifaceted nature of NCDs.

NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and respiratory diseases, account for two-thirds of deaths worldwide, 75% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. 

They affect the quality of life, productivity, income, and lifespan of families, communities, and economies.