Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases: Winning on Facts but Losing on Passion

Abstract

—For the past ten years, there has been an extensive analytical effort attempting to convince policy makers to invest in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries. From an analytical perspective, it has been an impressive decade of data gathering and presentations culminating in the United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs in September 2011. On the other hand, funding for NCDs has remained at very low levels compared to the burden of disease associated with NCDs. An important question, therefore, becomes why has all this important analytical work so far been unable to generate significantly more additional funding for NCDs? There are many possible explanations for the lack of appreciable additional funding, but perhaps the most important reason is a lack of passion or grass roots advocacy for preventing and treating NCDs by the general public. Until the politicians and policy makers see some urgency from the general public, the funding situation is unlikely to fundamentally change. However, there are many different actions that can be taken by researchers and funders while the funding levels remain low. In addition, many highly cost effective programs should be highlighted.