As the NCD burden continues to grow globally as well as in LMICs, there is an imperative to pursue opportunities and solutions that lead to risk mitigation, health promotion and health system strengthening through integrated services for NCDs. The primary aim of integration will be to reduce cost, improve efficiency and achieve better health outcomes in relation to NCDs. This is more so as health services converge at the level of the service provider.

In most countries in the African region, NCD co-exist with disproportionately higher burden of HIV and TB which themselves have become chronic. Furthermore, both HIV and TB are closely associated with NCDs. It is therefore prudent that interventions including human and financial resources for prevention, surveillance and management are strengthened. The disease burden in Africa from communicable and noncommunicable diseases, health emergencies, and maternal and child health among others remain disproportionately high due in part to weak health systems and other competing needs.  The NCD burden threatens to retard the gains made through improved nutrition, education, and increased incomes

The momentum around Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) provides an opportunity to shift focus away from vertical health programmes towards an integrated approach, particularly at primary healthcare level. It also provides an opportunity to build on past and current investments in LMICs for other health issues. Existing service delivery platforms, i.e. employing lessons of HIV and AIDS prevention and management to inform management of diabetes and hypertension, can be used to introduce risk assessment, early diagnosis and management of NCDs. Similarly, financing for other health issues can be leveraged for NCDs.

More so, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the significant gaps in provision of person centered and integrated care for people living with NCDs. Data from all the countries in the region has shown the imperative of integration and prioritization of NCD prevention and care during planning, response and post response emergency planning

The implementation road map 2023– 2030 for the global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases 2013–2030 was adopted at the 75th WHA. This provides tools and guidance for member states to access their current NCD situation, develop and prioritize cost effective and context specific interventions with a view to putting them back on track towards achieving the SDG target 3.4 on premature mortality from NCDs by 2030. 

The WHO GPW13 sets out WHO’s strategic direction – strategic priorities, goals/impacts and outcomes, and strategic and Organizational shifts for 2019-2023. Under the outcome 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, of the GPW13, WHO will efficiently and effectively increase coverage of essential health services by providing guidance and technical assistance to enable countries to strengthen their health systems and establish a strong foundation for integrated primary health care, to scale up context appropriate interventions that include prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation. This provides an opportunity for countries in the region to scale up effective NCD interventions at the PHC level.

In addition, outcome 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the GPW13 aims to ensure additional one billion people enjoy better health and well-being by addressing risk factors through multi sectoral approaches for prevention, surveillance and management of NCDs.

Risk factor mitigation and health promotion are essential requirements for NCD prevention and control. A holistic approach that includes entire society, culture and government are needed to ensure sustainable actions undertaken at behavioral level in populations. Thus, as we work across sectors of non-health units, we should also work within sectors of health units. The 2011 UN Political Declaration on NCDs provides the mandate for multisectoral action, whole-of-government and whole-of-society responses.

The 2nd Regional Meeting of the World NCD Federation African Region to be held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (12 – 14 January -2023) is under the theme “NCD prevention, surveillance and management to achieve SDG 3 in the context of COVID-19 and other health emergencies.”