This Issue Brief describes why scaled up action on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is integral for sustainable development. It presents UNDP’s ongoing global and regional work with partners on NCDs, and outlines opportunities for UNDP to help strengthen NCD responses at different levels in the context of supporting countries to mainstream and implement Agenda 2030.

NCDs, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, are a leading health and development challenge. Responding to NCDs requires the significant engagement of sectors beyond health, who are often uniquely placed to address the underlying drivers that shape people’s exposure to the four main behavioural risk factors for NCDs – tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity – as well as environmental risks and access to prevention and treatment services.

UNDP, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and other partners, is supporting governments to implement or strengthen whole-of-government NCD responses.