Publications

Dear Colleagues and Partners,

As the year draws to a close, WHO African Region noncommunicable disease (NCD) programme enters a new chapter—one defined by transformation, expansion and renewed determination. Following a strategic reorganization of WHO Regional Office for Africa, the programme now includes two key areas: Violence, Injury Prevention, and Disabilities and Risk Factors. This expansion significantly broadens our scope, integrating critical elements of NCD risk factors into the cluster’s disease prevention and control agenda.

NCDs remain one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, claiming at least 43 million lives globally in 2021 alone — and accounting for 75% of non-pandemic-related deaths. In fact, every two seconds, someone under the age of 70 dies from a noncommunicable disease. In the WHO African Region, the socioeconomic impact is profound. NCDs are increasingly becoming the leading cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. NCDs strain health systems and deepen poverty and inequity.

These diseases — including cardiovascular conditions, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health disorders — are silent killers. Addressing them is central to our Ending Diseases in Africa strategy.

At the 80th session of the General Assembly, world leaders expressed overwhelming support for the first United Nations global political declaration on responding to NCDs and mental health in an integrated manner.

Thanks to our partners, WHO African Region is now translating this declaration into action through integrated, people-centered initiatives like WHO PEN, PEN-Plus, and Women’s Integrated Cancer Services. Our collaboration with Member States and partners focuses on prevention and management through early detection, screening, treatment, capacity building of frontline health workers, and palliative care. We also champion cross-sector collaboration — from health and finance to education and urban planning.

Together, we must accelerate progress toward SDG target 3.4: reducing premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030. We call on all leaders, countries and partners to act and invest in WHO’s ‘Best Buys’ to beat NCDs and ensure a healthier Africa.

I invite you to explore our latest activities, stories, and on-the-ground impact showcasing our commitment to this shared goal in the bulletin and I look forward to working with you all.

Dr Benido Impouma
Acting Director, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control Cluster
WHO Regional Office for Africa