Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant and growing challenge in Africa, accounting for an increasing burden of morbidity and mortality. Conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses are exacerbated by factors like urbanization, lifestyle changes, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of awareness and early detection programs. The private sector plays a critical role in addressing these challenges by fostering public-private partnerships, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and promoting access to affordable medicines and technologies. Additionally, private companies can contribute through corporate social responsibility initiatives that support health education, preventive care programs, and innovative solutions to strengthen health systems, ultimately improving the capacity to combat NCDs across the continent.
Indeed, building durable multisectoral coalitions of legislators, civil society, academics, the private sector and other parts of government, have been seen to be a major contributing factor in countries where more resources are being devoted to NCDs and mental health, such as in Chile or the Philippines.
Members of Parliament also play a vital role by advocating for stronger health policies, ensuring budget allocations for NCD prevention and treatment, and creating an enabling regulatory environment that encourages private sector involvement in addressing these health issues.
