Financing national non-communicable disease responses

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Economics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause significant global death and disability but receive minimal health development assistance (1-2% since 2000).
• Existing funding levels are insufficient to meet World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan targets for NCDs.
• The Sustainable Development Goals include NCD reduction targets, but emphasize domestic financing, which is often out-of-pocket in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present findings from the WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on NCDs financing working group.
• To explore NCD financing options, with a specific focus on LMICs.
• To identify potential revenue streams for NCD prevention and control.

Main Methods:

• The study is based on the findings and discussions of the WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on NCDs financing working group.
• Exploration of various financing sources, including taxation, loans, private sector engagement, impact investment, and innovative mechanisms.
• Analysis of the role of development assistance and domestic financing strategies.

Main Results:

• Key financing sources identified include taxation, loans, private sector engagement, impact investment, and innovative financing mechanisms.
• Development assistance can play a role in the interim while countries develop domestic revenue generation.
• LMICs need to manage a blend of innovative and traditional funding sources to assume financial responsibility for NCDs.

Conclusions:

• Sustained international NCD funding may decrease in the medium term as LMICs increase domestic financial responsibility.
• Countries must develop strategies to boost tax revenue specifically for NCDs.
• A combination of innovative and traditional funding sources is essential for effective NCD prevention and control in LMICs.