The Role of NCDs in COVID-19 Recovery: A Conversation on Three Continents

People with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are at heightened risk from COVID-19. Unfortunately, the pandemic has stretched the health systems they rely on to breaking point.

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) recently brought together public health leaders from India, the Philippines and South Africa to discuss how COVID-19 has highlighted the need to prioritize NCDs. The experts demonstrated how primary care can be strengthened to screen and treat NCDs like obesity, hypertension and diabetes, even during a global pandemic. Solutions include the expanded use of telemedicine and taxes on unhealthy products, such as sugary drinks and tobacco, to reduce disease burdens and help fund universal health coverage.

Watch the conversation:

This conversation was recorded for the Triangle Global Health Conference in December 2020. It is moderated by Vandana Shah of GHAI and features Filomeno Sta. Ana III of Action for Economic Reforms (Philippines), Om Prakash Bera of GHAI (India) and Russell Rensburg of the Rural Health Advocacy Project (South Africa).