The global epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is of major concern to the World Health Professions Alliance WHPA, because it represents a significant threat to human health and social and economic development.

NCDs – cardiovascular disease, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, mental disorders and oral diseases – account for more than 60% of global deaths, killing 36 million people in 2008. Nearly 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. NCD deaths are also projected to increase by 15% globally between 2010 and 2020 (to 44 million deaths).

Working together against NCDs
In preparation for the United Nations High Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2011, WHPA has launched an advocacy and awareness raising campaign supported by IFPMA. This partnership serves the needs of health professionals, patients, the public and governments. WHPA and IFPMA will address the importance of positive individual behavioural changes and support national interventions targeting social determinants of health.

Contact information

For more information about the WHPA non-communicable diseases (NCDs) campaign, please email