In a Viewpoint, Improving responsiveness of health systems to non-communicable diseases, researchers led by Professor Rifat Atun from Imperial College London, UK outline how building on the knowledge and investment gained and the partnerships forged from the global response to HIV and tuberculosis could help in the fight against the emerging NCD epidemic. This partnership is critical as globally health systems are unprepared to cope with the rising NCD burden and the multimorbidity these diseases will bring for individuals.
According to Professor Atun, "Most health systems have not been designed to cope with the multitude of new risks for NCDs and chronic illness. This burden will overwhelm the already stretched and weak health systems in most low-income and middle-income countries."*
"With HIV, visible global leadership, along with sustained advocacy by civil society, affected communities, and scientists enabled mobilisation of large financial investments to address the disease. However, lessons from the successful HIV response show that in embracing integration opportunities for NCD prevention and care, the challenge will be less clinical, but more managerial and political to create the right incentives for existing service providers in realisation of synergies to achieve greater health and equity. The narrow clinical focus, which has characterised the response to the NCD epidemic, is unlikely to succeed."*
For Professor Rifat Atun, Imperial College London, London, UK. Please contact Maxine Myers, Media and Communications Imperial College London
T) +44(0)20 7594 6127 E) Maxine.myers@imperial.ac.uk
Notes to Editors:
*Quote direct from author and cannot be found in text of paper.
Journal
The Lancet