In February, over 800 delegates from 66 countries gathered in Kigali, Rwanda for the Fourth Annual Non-Communicable Disease Alliance Forum to address a sobering reality. By 2030, NCDs — chronic illnesses that are not transmitted from person to person and include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions — are expected to overtake infectious diseases as the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa.
These diseases account for over 75% of global deaths and are projected to impose an economic burden of $47 trillion by the decade’s end. The NCD Alliance Forum brought together individuals living with NCDs, alongside leaders from civil society, NGOs, academia, government, and the pharmaceutical industry, fostering collaboration and expertise to drive global efforts in combating these diseases.
A Critical Moment for Global Health Funding
One of the most pressing themes of the Forum was the urgent need to accelerate efforts in controlling and treating non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes. Despite global commitments, many countries are behind schedule in meeting the 2025 World Health Organization NCD targets and goals which aim to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third. Key challenges include limited access to essential medicines, diagnostics, and treatments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where inadequate healthcare infrastructure and funding further hinder efforts.
While these obstacles persist, this moment also presents an opportunity to strengthen locally driven, sustainable health systems that are better equipped to address the rising burden of NCDs. Investing in healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to life-saving treatments, and prioritizing prevention strategies will be critical to achieving long-term progress in the fight against NCDs.
Direct Relief’s Commitment to NCD Care
Direct Relief, in partnership with the NCD Alliance, has worked to advocate for and expand access to NCD care, particularly in humanitarian settings. As part of this collaboration, Direct Relief was invited to lead a panel discussion at the Forum on strengthening NCD care in low- and middle-income countries through cross-sector collaboration. The session, which saw significant engagement, featured experts including the Tanzania Project Lead for the multisectoral Global HOPE partnership, City Cancer Challenge’s Technical Cooperation Manager for Africa, the President of the Tanzania Diabetes Association, and one of AstraZeneca’s Directors of Global Policy.
The discussion explored key strategies to enhance NCD care, including health system strengthening through capacity building and the impact of next-generation therapies and technologies—such as continuous glucose monitors—on healthcare in the Global South. It also highlighted the critical role of governments at all levels in developing and implementing sustainable solutions for NCD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Expanding Access to Cancer and Diabetes Care
Direct Relief has been instrumental in improving access to care for individuals living with cancer and diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Since 2008, the organization has supplied an estimated $1.1 billion in cancer medications, including more than 1.5 billion defined daily doses of cancer treatments and associated therapeutic agents to patients in over 50 countries. One example of Direct Relief’s commitment to expanding global access to pediatric cancer care is its collaboration through the Global HOPE program with Texas Children’s Hospital and Teva Pharmaceuticals. As of the end of 2024, the program has treated over 26,000 pediatric patients in five African countries, and trained 8,154 healthcare professionals, equipping them with knowledge of next-generation therapies. These trained providers now reside in 26 African countries, strengthening local healthcare systems and ensuring sustainable, long-term improvements in pediatric oncology. Through the provision of essential medical resources, infrastructure support, and ongoing capacity-building, Direct Relief continues to play a crucial role in transforming cancer care and improving survival rates in underserved regions.
For diabetes care, Direct Relief has provided an estimated $1.1 billion in insulin and diabetes medications to partners in 67 countries since 2008. Through its collaboration with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Direct Relief addresses gaps in diabetes care during emergencies by rapidly deploying essential medical supplies to health facilities worldwide. The organization also supports initiatives like the Life for a Child program, which ensures that children with diabetes in low-income countries receive insulin, glucose monitors, and essential diabetes care, helping them manage their condition in the face of limited resources. Currently, this program supports more than 25,000 children in over 50 countries, helping them manage their condition in the face of limited resources.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Direct Relief continues to enhance healthcare access and outcomes for cancer and diabetes patients globally, playing a crucial role in expanding the reach of treatment in areas where access is often limited. The current epidemiology indicates that the burden of NCDs in the Global South will continue to grow in the coming years, and Direct Relief is committed to addressing this challenge through its cross-sectorial partnerships.
Engaging on the Global Stage in the Fight Against NCDs
The Union for International Cancer Control’s Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition aims to overcome barriers to essential oncology medicines in low- and lower-middle-income countries by facilitating workshops that help local stakeholders develop context-specific solutions. Direct Relief’s Megan Sheridan (Oncology Program Manager) and Dr. Gordon Willcock (Director, Asia Pacific) recently participated as expert moderators for the supply chain management pillar at workshops held in Mongolia and El Salvador.
At the 2024 World Cancer Congress in Geneva, Direct Relief was represented by Eleni Brauner (Corporate Engagement Senior Manager, Europe) and Megan Sheridan. The event gathered over 2,000 participants to address global cancer challenges, such as prevention, treatment, and support, while highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to improve cancer care access in low- and middle-income countries.
In April, Direct Relief staff will be attending the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, which aims to convene the global diabetes community to address pressing challenges in diabetes care and prevention. This event, expected to host over 5,500 delegates from 166 countries, marks IDF’s 75th anniversary, providing an opportunity to reflect on progress and strategize future initiatives to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes worldwide.
