Our History

The emergence of NCD Alliance East Africa reflects the ever-urgent need for action for the prevention and control of NCDs in the East African Region. Over this period, we have implemented several projects on advocacy, research, and capacity building. This work has involved undertaking regional benchmark surveys to track progress and to use the same to demand accountability on governments. Through this work, we have made several achievements, which include:

The East Africa NCDs Charter

In light of the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the East African Sub-Region, the East African NCD Alliance (EANCDA) convened and adopted the Charter, based on the results of a regional benchmark survey, conversations with people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs) and NCD health care providers, and outcomes from the stakeholders’ workshop held in Kigali on January 25-27, 2018. The consideration of the East Africa NCDs Charter Commitments; 

1. Incorporation of NCD prevention, management and control in all national development plans, ensure policy coherence and coordinated action to efficiently mainstream NCDs and health in all national development plans
2. Increased national budgetary allocations for health (aimed at achieving the Abuja Declaration of 15% of the national budget) to support Universal Health Care through strengthened Primary Health Care (PHC) system with specific activities for NCD prevention and care. For countries with devolved governments, sub-national government budget allocation to the health sector should mirror the Abuja Declaration as well.

• Involvement of PLWNCDs and their caregivers in the formulation, implementation and review of all NCD policies, legislation, strategies, guidelines and activities

1. Full implementation of tobacco and alcohol control legislation and policies, especially with regard to banning of advertising, and warning messages on products
2. Full implementation of taxation for alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy foods and drinks, and the allocation of these taxes to the prevention, management and control of NCDs
3. Development and implementation of effective integrated nutrition policies for control of both under-nutrition, overweight and obesity

• Regulations on production, sale and marketing of foods and drinks containing high sugar, salt and trans-fats, especially those targeting children
• Ensuring that the environment is conducive for healthy living and the promotion of healthy recreational habits targeting the youth to counter the rising prevalence of tobacco use, substance abuse, unhealthy diets and low levels of physical activity amongst this age group

1. Comprehensive road safety interventions to mitigate the economic impacts from injuries and deaths due to road traffic accidents
2. Effective Inter-Sectoral Coordinating Committees at the sub-national and national levels that include NCD prevention, management and control in their remit