Noncommunicable disease research

Abstract

Research is an essential component of the fight against noncommunicable disease (NCD) as it provides the evidence for effective prevention and control interventions. While the biological causes and manifestations of NCDs have been studied in depth, we are still trying to understand the best ways of implementing effective control policies. Exploring which interventions work in different settings is fundamental to the attainment of international targets set out in the Global Action Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals. The vast majority of NCD research comes from high-income countries and interventions that work in these settings are not necessarily effective in the Global South. Translational research is needed alongside wider engagement with social scientists: the most significant drivers of NCD epidemics are political, social, economic, and behavioral. Collaborative research spanning these domains is required for the development of effective, evidence-based NCD prevention, and control policies. This short article provides an overview of the role research has to play in the global NCD response and highlights areas in need of investment.