Better Health, Better Lives: Combatting Non-Communicable Diseases in the Context of Norwegian Development Policy (2020-2024)

The Norwegian Government wishes to contribute to the battle against non-communicable diseases in low-income countries. This work will be included in health related development cooperation and will help achieve several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategy sets out a plan for this work for the period 2020 to 2024. This strategy positions Norway to play a leading role in expanding work on NCDs in international development and health policy as well as ensuring practical action in low-income countries.

The non-communicable diseases we refer to in this strategy are based on the 5 x 5 NCD Agenda adopted by the UN. It covers five diseases: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes and mental health disorders, and the five risk factors; tobacco, air pollution, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity.

Health is a priority area in Norwegian foreign and development policy. Norway has a leading role in global health. The goal of Norway’s international health cooperation is to prevent and effectively combat disease and to help achieve SDG 3 on health. The 2030 Agenda requires us to work across sectors; coordinated efforts in sectors that affect public health are particularly important. WHO recommends a Health in All Policies approach. This strategy therefore comprises measures within most of the priority areas in Norwegian development policy – health, education, sustainable food systems, climate and environment, renewable energy, humanitarian work, people with disabilities, digitalisation and good governance.