BACKGROUND
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person. NCDs are a leading cause of premature deaths worldwide, and represent a growing proportion of disease burden in almost all African countries according to the latest Global Burden of Disease study. 71% of all deaths globally are from noncommunicable diseases, and 85% of the premature deaths (30 – 70 years) from NCDs in 2016 were in low and middle income countries.
To support African countries to reduce the long-term burden of NCDs and mental ill-health, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has established a new Division of Disease Control and Prevention with the mission to strengthen Africa’s health system for the control and prevention of Communicable and Non Communicable Diseases to achieve positive health outcomes, which is built on the African Union continental health agenda (Agenda 2063, Africa Health Strategy, etc.). The new Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC is developing a five-years strategic plan for prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health with the technical support of Non-Communicable Disease team of the Global Health Division, Public Health England.
