Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes are now the leading cause of death globally, exceeding all communicable disease deaths combined. The WHO estimates that each year, NCDs kill at least 41 million, the equivalent of 71 percent of all deaths globally; more than 41 percent of these deaths are premature, affecting people younger than 70 yrs. Deaths from NCDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for at least 85 percent of the global count. Cardiovascular diseases account for most deaths, followed by cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Over the next decade, the disease burden and mortality from NCDs are expected to grow significantly in low- and middle-income countries.

CHAI began work in this area with the launch of our cancer program in 2015 and in 2022 expanded its programming related to noncommunicable diseases, initiating programs related to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These...