Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are not passed from person to person. Instead, they develop from genetic, environmental, physiological, and behavioral factors.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally and increasingly affect children and adolescents. Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are not passed from person to person. Instead, they develop from genetic, environmental, physiological, and behavioral factors.
On September 25, 2025, during the Fourth UN High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate action on this urgent global health crisis.
Dr. Fouzia Shafique, UNICEF Associate Director for Health, said that their work focuses on maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, strengthening primary health care systems, and advancing digital health and information systems.
What Are Non-Communicable Diseases?
Non-communicable diseases are non-transmissible diseases that fall into seven categories: cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, genetic/hematologic conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health conditions. NCDs can affect people at any age, may be chronic or acute and often require lifelong care.
Some, like sickle cell disease or type 1 diabetes, appear early in life, while others stem from harmful behaviors adopted in youth, like smoking, alcohol use or inactivity.
The Critical moment for Action
Over 2.1 billion children and adolescents under 20 are affected by NCDs globally. Though often preventable or treatable, NCDs cause about 1 million deaths annually — 16 percent of all deaths in this age group.
“Services to care for children at risk of NCDs must be integrated into maternal, child, and adolescent health systems — not only adult care,” says Dr. Shafique.
Managing NCDs That Cannot Be Prevented
Not all NCDs can be prevented, and hence early screening and timely intervention save lives. Yet millions of children remain undiagnosed with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, says Dr. Shafique. Early detection improves outcomes, while delays can lead to lasting, sometimes irreversible harm.
In remote areas of South Asia, West Africa and East Asia, families must travel long distances to somewhere central — a provincial capital, a state capital for diagnoses. The expenses such as those for transportation are heavy for these families. Tragically, many cannot afford ongoing treatment, creating lifelong consequences.
Barriers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
For many families, especially in remote areas, long-term NCD treatment is costly and burdensome. Ongoing care requires frequent travel, leading to lost income, transport expenses, and time away from school and work. Parents often face the painful choice between accessing care and managing daily needs. Stigma also isolates children and families, limiting community support and opportunities for the children.
“It isn’t the lack of love from parents, but the systemic barriers of poverty, distance, and fragile health systems,” notes Dr. Shafique.
UNICEF’s Response: Bringing Care Closer
UNICEF partners with governments in more than 25 countries to strengthen child-centered NCD care. Key initiatives include:
- Training frontline providers (nurses, midwives, community health workers) to deliver prevention, early diagnosis, and referrals in countries Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Bangladesh and India.
- Peer-support groups for children with NCDs to share support and guidance— piloted in Zimbabwe and now expanding in other countries.
- Public-private partnerships to improve access to diagnostics, medicines, and health promotion in schools and communities.
Building Awareness and Prevention of NCDs in Childhood
NCDs can strike at any age, and no one can predict who will develop one.
“UNICEF promotes a continuum of care approach — supporting health at every life stage, from preconception to old age — because a child’s health is deeply connected to that of their mother, family and community,” explains Dr. Shafique.
Prevention starts with maternal nutrition and safe pregnancy, followed by vaccinations and early screening. Adolescents face new challenges like mental health issues, increased likelihood of harmful behaviors and substance abuse that need supportive environments and care.
Impact of Digital Health Solutions and Innovation
Digital solutions are transforming NCD prevention and care. One major innovation in digital care is longitudinal data systems, which track children’s health over time and support providers, yet their potential is often overlooked. Digital platforms empower families with treatment plans, education, and peer support.
“These systems are game-changers, yet their potential is still underutilized,” emphasizes Dr. Shafique.
Source: UNICEF
 are the leading cause of death globally and increasingly affect children and adolescents. Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are not passed from person to person. Instead, they develop from genetic, environmental, physiological, and behavioral factors.){kind=link}