World Health Day is commemorated on April 7 annually, a day to raise awareness about global health issues and promote action towards achieving better health for all. This year’s theme “Health for All” highlights the importance of ensuring that everyone, everywhere has access to quality health services without facing financial hardship.
According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide. These diseases do not only lead to premature death but also cause significant morbidity and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) recognizes the urgent need to address NCDs as part of the global health agenda and is working to accelerate research and implement evidence-based interventions to prevent and control these diseases.
Through our alliance of funding agencies from across the world, GACD has supported over 130 research projects in more than 82 countries, with a particular focus on LMICs. GACD research is exploring how to implement effective strategies for preventing and managing NCDs to promote equity in health in differently resourced settings and environments.
We recognize that strategies for reducing the burden of NCDs must be targeted to specific populations and contexts. For example our research has shown that the risk of cardiovascular diseases CVD may be reduced through interventions that make use of non-physician healthcare workers, or that digital technologies can be used effectively to support patient self-management.
GACD recognize that poverty, social exclusion, and environmental factors can all impact the development and consequences of NCDs. As such, we invest in high quality, impactful implementation research that address these underlying factors, such as improving access to health education, and promoting healthy environments.
This World Health Day, let us strive towards a future where every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location, has access to the care they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.