NCD Alliance

It is a formal alliance of four international federations working together to push for international action to combat the global epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Alliance represents the four main NCDs outlined in the World Health Organization’s 2008-2013 Action Plan for NCDs – cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease. These conditions share common risk factors (including tobacco use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets) and also share common solutions, which provide a mutual platform for collaboration and joint advocacy. 

By working together from the global to the local level in an alliance representing nearly 900 national member associations, it brings a united voice to the global campaign for non-communicable diseases. The membership base of the four federations gives the alliance a unique strength that has allowed it to successfully influence the international development agenda.

What the Alliance does

The NCD Alliance uses targeted advocacy and outreach to ensure that NCDs are recognised as a major cause of poverty, a barrier to economic development and a global emergency. This is done by working with a wide range of partners and organisations, speaking with a united voice at key international meetings, and pressing governments to recognise that NCDs are a global development priority requiring an urgent response.

The NCD Alliance has no official structure and is not a membership organisation, but works with many partners that share a common interest in improving the lives of people living with NCDs and addressing their risk factors.

History

The NCD Alliance was launched in May 2009 at an event in Geneva titled 'Health and Development: Held back by Non-Communicable diseases'. The NCD Alliance has been joined by many additional partners since its launch.

The alliance has produced its first report titled “Time To Act: The Global Emergency of NCDs”. The report is based on a joint advocacy event held at the 62nd World Health assembly.