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Chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) news, resources and funding for global health researchers

Chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are steadily increasing around the world, and developing countries are bearing much of the cost with 80 percent of deaths occurring there. NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and lung disorders are expected to cause three-quarters of the disease burden in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.

NCDs cause untold pain, suffering, disability and hardship for millions of people. In addition, the economic costs are staggering, both in terms of lost productivity and rising health care expenses. Unless action is taken to reduce the toll of NCDs, a World Bank study estimates NCDs will cost the global economy about $35 trillion from 2005 to 2030. A number of NIH research and research training programs are working to address these health issues.

Related research topics:

• Cancer information and resources
• Diabetes information and resources

Recent News

• Getting to the ‘heart’ of mentorship and global cardiovascular health
  Global Health Matters, March/April 2025
• Could a task-sharing tool for hypertension control in Guatemala benefit the US?
  Global Health Matters, March/April 2025
• NIH study finds infection-related hospitalizations linked to increased risk of heart failure
  NHLBI News, February 11, 2025
• Slaying Sickle Cell
  NIH Catalyst, January/February 2025
• Genetic carriers for sickle cell disease have higher risks of blood clots across diverse ancestries
  NIH/NHGRI news, September 12, 2024
• Is a Low-Dose Triple-Drug Combination Pill Protocol the Answer for Hypertension Control in Sub-Saharan Africa? by George A. Mensah
  JAMA, August 31, 2024
• ‘Low-intensity’ blood stem cell transplants for sickle cell appear safe for lung health
  NIH/NHLBI news, August 27, 2024
• Better heart health through education: Q&A with Gene F. Kwan, MD, MPH
  Global Health Matters, May/June 2024
• PAHO releases toolkit to enhance management of cardiovascular risk and hypertension in the Americas
  PAHO news, January 31, 2024

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Focus: Sickle Cell Research in Africa

• Sickle cell research in Africa yields global benefits
  Global Health Matters, September/October 2024
• Probing the interaction of SCD and malaria resistance in Ghana
  Global Health Matters, September/October 2024
• Ugandan sickle cell researchers keep pace with aging patients
  Global Health Matters, September/October 2024
• This Nigerian hematologist established an SCD stroke prevention program in the community
  Global Health Matters, September/October 2024

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NIH News and Resources

• Cookstove/Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) Information and Resources
• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
• NHLBI Global Health Initiative: Reducing Chronic Diseases Must Be a Global Priority
• Heart and Vascular Diseases
• Overweight and Obesity
• NHLBI AIDS program
• NHLBI AIDS Program Addresses Increasing Burden of Chronic Disease for HIV-Infected Individuals
  NHLBI Spotlight on Research
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• NCI Center for Global Health
• NCI Center for Global Health Spotlight blog
• Comprehensive Cancer Research Areas information
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Topic Information
• Diabetes Information
• Respiratory Diseases Information
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Mental Health Topics
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Environmental Factors and Chronic Diseases and Conditions

Other US Government Resources

• CDC Global Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)
  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP)

Other Online Resources

• Council on Foreign Relations: Noncommunicable Diseases
• Global Alliance for Chronic Disease (GACD)
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): noncommunicable diseases

Updated August 15, 2025