Accelerating the transformation of public health services to tackle NCDs

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are a major public health issue globally. This article identifies two priorities to support public health services in tackling NCDs. The first priority is to invest in strengthened health promotion and disease prevention systems through financing, improved professional education and clearer governance. The second priority is to promote proportionate universalism across public services, especially within universal health coverage. The implications of proportionate universalism for NCDs are significant, providing leapfrogging opportunities for Member States to accelerate population health and avoid a potential widening in inequity.