Join the Global Week for Action on NCDs 2024

Organised by the NCD Alliance, this year's campaign runs from 15 to 22 October under the theme of ‘Time to Lead’to turn the tide on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the  lead-up to the High-Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025.  

NCDs are responsible for approximately 41 million deaths each year, or 74% of all deaths globally. Of these, more than 15 million people die from a NCD between the ages of 30 and 69 years, 85% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer is the second leading cause of death behind cardiovascular disease. 

While these countries have made progress in tackling communicable diseases, they now face a rising burden of cancer due to ageing populations and longer life expectancies. Additionally, LMICs face unique challenges such as limited resources, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of access to early detection and treatment services. As a result, cancer mortality rates are higher in these regions, and rising disproportionately. 

Developing resource-efficient national cancer control strategies and integrating them into NCD and universal health coverage plans are therefore essential. 

How to get involved in the Global Week for Action on NCDs 

Individuals and organisations can sign The Call To Lead open letter, which urges governments to mobilise investments for NCDs, fast-track the implementation of effective policies at the national level, and deliver accountability by regularly reporting to citizens on the promises made.  

Organisations can also host in-person events, and promote their related activities and the call to action on social media. NCDA has a wealth of resources to use, such as sample messages with a variety of GIFs and editable banners for social media on the Post Me page. 

Action is not limited to this Global Week for NCDs. The aim of NCDA’s and its theme on leadership is to mobilise organisations throughout the next year in the run-up to the fourth UN high-level meeting on NCDs in September 2025.  

This meeting presents a pivotal opportunity to elevate the NCD agenda to the top of global health priorities, supported by the necessary investments. It is a chance for governments to reaffirm their commitment to tackling NCDs and to make significant strides towards achieving the agreed targets.