New research said that there is a huge disparity in international funding to combat non-communicable diseases, compared to those that are communicable, even though the former cause 41 million deaths each year.
Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases, cause 41 million deaths, or 70 percent of all deaths around the world, according to research by the International Conference on Public Health in Africa, published by The Conversation.
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And the research continued that 77% of deaths from these diseases – which occur at a rate of 67% before the age of forty – occur in low- and middle-income countries, especially in the continent of Africa.
In addition to being a leading cause of death around the world, it imposes a high cost on individuals, undermines productivity and threatens economic prosperity.
The research stated: “Funding to combat HIV (AIDS) in 2019 amounted to approximately $9.5 billion, while support for non-communicable diseases was only $700 million.”
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He continued, “Evidence suggests that tackling the noncommunicable disease pandemic can also mitigate other challenges such as HIV, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, and universal health coverage.”
The researchers called for the creation of a global fund for non-communicable diseases, or an expansion of the global fund’s mandate beyond supporting patients with AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
“We must learn from our mistakes,” the researchers said. “We must build integrated health programs and systems that address interconnectedness and co-morbidities.”