Investing in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can strengthen health systems, protect economic productivity, and improve population wellbeing. Evidence shows that every dollar invested in preventing and managing NCDs generates substantial returns through reduced healthcare costs, improved workforce participation, and healthier, more resilient societies.
Yet despite this compelling investment case, progress remains uneven. Health systems continue to struggle with the rising burden of cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, chronic respiratory, cancer, and mental health conditions—diseases that now affect nearly two billion people globally and remain the leading cause of premature death. This urgency shaped the Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health adopted by the UN General Assembly, and following through on this commitment is essential.
A new report from CRA focuses on how to unleash investment in NCDs. Through real world case studies, it documents case studies illustrating the investment associated with NCDs and how barriers preventing investment can be overcome. The research also identifies the policy conditions that enable success; and outlines practical recommendations to scale financing models that work and can be replicated across different countries.
This webinar brought together leading experts in health and NCD policy. Speakers examined the latest evidence, highlighted solutions to overcome persistent financing barriers, and explored how countries could capitalize on current political will to accelerate investment.
Opening remarks were provided on the need for urgency in investing in NCDs from Kalipso Chalkidou, Director of Health Financing and Economics, World Health Organization.
The results of a new study documenting successful case studies leading to investment in preventing and managing NCDs, presented by one of the authors, Clara Zacharko, Senior Associate, Charles River Associates; and Tim Wilsdon, Vice President, Charles River Associates.
A discussion was held on the next steps at international, regional and national level with Dr. Gladwell Gathecha, Head of Division of NCDs, Ministry of Health, Kenya, Agnes Munyua, Program Director, Health Financing & Kenya Country Representative, R4D and Professor Alok Kumar Mishra, Professor in School of Economics, University of Hyderabad-An Institution of Eminence.
