ADVOCACY
Why NCDs?
The Healthy Philippines Alliance serves as the leading voice for civil society to accelerate policy actions to beat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. To date, NCDs are the culprit for 70% of all deaths in the Philippines, with heart disease at the top of the list. Researchers project that NCDs could double by 2040 if no pivotal action is taken. This alarming upward trend of NCD prevalence among Filipinos is proof of the urgent need for effective prevention strategies now. As for the rest of the world, NCDs reflect a similar picture as the leading cause of death and disability, accounting for 74% of all deaths globally.
What are NCDs?
NCDs are non-transmissible illnesses that typically develop slowly and become chronic or last for long periods up to a lifetime. Therefore, these conditions require long-term treatment or medication which in turn cause an economic burden on low- to middle- income households. NCDs include cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory illnesses, diabetes, mental and neurological disorders, and chronic kidney disease, are usually caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco and vape use, alcohol consumption, and air pollution. However, 80% of NCDs are preventable by modifying these risk factors.
The Healthy Philippines Alliance is doing the following activities:
- Advocate for a multi-sectoral national NCD prevention and control plan that is appropriate for the Philippines;
- Monitor the implementation of national and local NCD-related policies and basic health services, and provide technical assistance whenever needed;
- Support the development of a multi-sectoral accountability mechanism for addressing NCDs in the country.
- Encourage the participation of more civil society organizations and/or advocates to support the prevention and control of NCDs in the country;
- Study global NCD-related conventions/treaties, and develop a country shadow report, whenever needed.

HPA Photo Gallery
Media Roundtable on Food Warning Labels May 18, 2025 Read More » Panel Discussion on the Future of Food in the Philippines: Perspectives on Fixing the