A recent article published by the Lancet addresses the reasons behind a lack of results in non-communicable disease (NCD) reduction despite awareness and appetite for change, arguing that without a clear strategy, NCDs will persist and become even more common throughout the world.

NCDs create a heavy economic burden and have a notorious reputation of furthering poverty due to high healthcare costs. In BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), they not only affect productivity, but pensions and other investments in the economy as well. Because NCDs are linked to lifestyle choices including diet, alcohol intake, tobacco use and lack of physical activity, there is a substantial opportunity for businesses to proactively get involved.

The private sector is uniquely positioned to support scaling up technological innovations, to market positive lifestyle choices, and to promote accessibility and affordability of products. Public-private partnerships to combat NCDs could prove to be an efficient way to mobilize coordinated action on these issues.

photo credit: WHO