Non-communicable diseases: Harnessing the current opportunities

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are receiving growing attention, which brings a unique opportunity to utilise solutions available to address them. These diseases are largely preventable; proven, cost-effective interventions are available; and when NCDs emerge, means exist to treat them, prevent complications, and to improve quality of life. Yet, there is a lack in progress in responding effectively to NCDs, and the current discussion and research focus predominantly on challenges rather than the opportunities, which this paper outlines.