PATH Program

Noncommunicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—namely diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases—are the leading causes of death and disability globally and disproportionately affect those living in low- and middle-income countries. An alarming two-thirds of deaths worldwide are caused by NCDs, and almost 75 percent occur in lower-resourced settings.

Often progressing slowly and requiring long-term care, these diseases exact an enormous toll on the people they affect and their families and communities. Those who suffer are more likely to develop complications and die earlier in life—often at the peak of their productive years—impacting the financial well-being of their households and posing a substantial burden on health systems and national economies.

Featured Stories

September 7, 2017
Taking on one of Africa’s top killers (hint: it’s not what you think)
August 17, 2021
In Ghana, hypertension care adapts and overcomes
January 31, 2016
Lifesaving cancer care: real tools for women who urgently need them
Related articles

Read our latest

14 Article s
  1. Community volunteers screen a Co.opMart customer for hypertension. Photo: PATH/Hung Nguyen Manh.
    June 14, 2021

    Bringing health screenings closer to communities in Vietnam

    How PATH and a beloved grocery store chain are increasing access to screenings for hypertension and diabetes.
  2. Aida (left) and Mame Fama Male (right in blue) are community health educators in Pikine, Senegal, who educate women about their family planning options. PATH/Gabe Bienczycki
    February 11, 2021

    People at the center: PHC at PATH

    PATH’s new Primary Health Care (PHC) program links expertise across essential health areas.
  3. Neeraj Jain
    August 23, 2018

    7 ways public health in India has changed over the last decade

    A national strategy focused on digital health, nutrition, and other high-impact interventions has dramatically improved health outcomes across India—but more work remains to be done.
  4. Silvia de Sanjosé and four colleagues standing together.
    March 2, 2018

    It IS possible to change a woman’s fate

    We're increasing the use of new technologies for cervical cancer screening and treatment in Central America.
  5. An animated man leans forward on a chair.
    May 16, 2017

    One man, 441 people, and a community for healthier hearts

    Bringing blood pressure monitoring services to the community is transforming access to chronic disease management in Vietnam.
  6. Hélène Pineau, national advocacy manager at GSK Canada.
    January 11, 2017

    Mid-career volunteer: a GSK exec lends her talent to make lasting change

    A pharma executive takes a six-month career detour to work in Senegal with PATH, building a coalition to address the growing burden of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
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