Noncommunicable diseases: state of the evidence, strategies for prevention and governance for multisectoral action

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a key part of South Africa's quadruple burden of diseases. The challenge of NCDs is no longer affecting only the affluent, but equally so the poor. This situation is not unique to South Africa; worldwide, countries are grappling with how to halt the epidemic, which threatens to overwhelm health systems. NCDs are costly to both the health system and the economy. This chapter starts by presenting the state of evidence internationally and locally. It then explores determinants of NCDs, prevention strategies and priorities for South Africa. It discusses the importance of appropriate governance structures and processes to support intersectoral and multisectoral action, and a health-in-all-policies approach.