Co-morbidity, where a person lives with one or more disease or condition at the same time, is increasingly becoming the norm globally, and the number of people living with more than one NCD has steadily increased over the past 20 years. Diabetes and hypertension for example commonly occur together, and both are linked to a wide range of other NCDs, due to complications or being triggered by the same risk factors. This policy brief therefore makes the case for simultaneous action for both conditions as an opportunity for decision-makers to achieve an exponential positive impact on wellbeing, health systems strengthening and sustainable development. 

This policy brief has been developed by the NCD Alliance, International Diabetes Federation and World Heart Federation and has received input from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, FDI World Dental Federation, International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, George Institute for Global Health, Resolve to Save Lives, Union for International Cancer Control and World Obesity Federation as well as from members of NCD Alliance’s Peer Learning Advocacy Network on an Inclusive NCD Agenda.