Communicable and noncommunicable diseases

A blood sample from a patient in Papua New Guinea.
In the fight against malaria, the SDC is working with its partner countries in the areas of diagnosis, treatment and research © SDC/Oil Search Health Foundation

The SDC is working with local communities to promote healthy lifestyles and the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. It also supports the prevention, treatment and research on communicable diseases such as malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and HIV/AIDS.

The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and mental illnesses is on the rise in low and middle-income countries. Noncommunicable diseases are today the most frequent causes of death in most countries, except in African countries. However even there NCDs are rising rapidly and are according to the World Health Organisation projected to exceed communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional diseases as the most common causes of death by 2030.

Noncommunicable diseases

Health promotion to combat the extra burden of noncommunicable and chronic diseases; mental health; psychosocial support.

Communicable diseases

Malaria, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases: financial support, research and innovation. HIV/AIDS: prevention, human rights.