Tracking NCD funding flows: Urgent calls and global solutions

The report highlights the urgent need for increased international and domestic investment in non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, as current funding is insufficient to address the significant health burdens, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Urgent Calls and Global Solutions,” a critical analysis of health financing for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Utilizing the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Common Reporting Standard (CRS) database, this report examines the aid flow types from 2018 to 2021 directed towards NCD policies, services, and risk factors, particularly tobacco and alcohol. Despite NCDs being the leading cause of death and disability globally, especially in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), international funding remains insufficient. This report highlights the stark reality that only 1-2% of total development assistance for health (DAH) is allocated to NCDs. Moreover, tobacco and alcohol prevention receive minimal support, with tobacco control receiving just 0.3% of total DAH. The report calls for increased international and domestic investment, improved quality data, and strategic policies to address these funding gaps, especially ahead of the Second Dialogue on Sustainable Financing for NCDs and Mental Health in June 2024.