Non-communicable diseases remain a leading cause of illness and premature death worldwide, posing a growing challenge for health systems, economies, and communities. As their burden continues to rise, NCDs demand sustained prevention, effective management, and stronger health system capacities to protect populations across all ages and backgrounds.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces some of the world’s most alarming NCD trends. In 2022, the region recorded the highest global rate of premature mortality attributed to one of the four main NCDs—24.5%, higher than any other WHO region (World Bank Population Estimate). The EMR also experiences elevated age-standardized prevalence and mortality from hypertensive heart disease compared to global averages (An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019).

Projections indicate that NCD deaths will continue to rise sharply in the region, increasing by more than 20% in Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia (Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2010). These trends place significant strain on healthcare systems and economic stability. Factors such as insufficient financial resources, weak infrastructure, and political instability further hinder the development and implementation of effective NCD policies and programs (Elhadi, 2023).

EMPHNET is engaged in NCD prevention and control to help countries strengthen systems, generate evidence, and implement sustainable solutions that match local needs and realities. Many countries in the region face gaps in governance, data quality, service readiness, and multisectoral coordination, all of which limit their ability to prevent, detect, and manage NCDs effectively. Our role focuses on building research capacity, supporting policy development, enabling multisectoral dialogue, and promoting cost-effective models rooted in primary healthcare and universal health coverage.

• Regional and international collaboration: Engaging in regional and global initiatives to guide NCD priorities, build research capacity, develop management tools, and support policy and service delivery.
• Empowering communities: Engaging communities, especially in research and health promotion to strengthen prevention and control at the grassroots level.
• Life-course approach: addressing NCDs from early life stages, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as refugees. It also focuses on the wellbeing of adults, particularly women and parents as caregivers, to ensure they remain healthy to support their children
• Focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Promoting innovative, primary care-driven models that enhance access, equity, and resilience in health systems.
• Focus on evidence and research: Generating data to understand the NCD landscape and conduct implementation research to test and scale cost-effective, context-relevant interventions.

EMPHNET has emerged as one of the region’s early pioneers in public health research. Its key contributions include:

• Generating Evidence for Action

We advance research to help countries better understand and address the region’s growing NCD burden. Through epidemiological studies, surveys, projections, and service readiness assessments, We generate evidence that informs national planning and supports the development of cost-effective, evidence-based interventions. This work strengthens decision-making and helps countries prioritize impactful strategies for NCD prevention and management.

• The Eastern Mediterranean NCDs Research Center (NCDsRC)

To strengthen regional collaboration and accelerate progress in NCD prevention and control, We established the Eastern Mediterranean Non-Communicable Disease Research and Prevention Center (NCDsRC). The Center enables multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary cooperation across research, training, and informed decision-making and supports countries with practical tools and evidence for advancing NCD priorities.

Read more about it here.

• Governance and Policy

We strengthen the governance of NCDs by supporting countries in developing and implementing national policies, strategies, and action plans. Its work promotes multisectoral coordination, aligns efforts through common results frameworks and monitoring systems, and encourages policy coherence to improve NCD prevention and control. We also advocate for adequate financing and support strong political commitment to sustain long-term progress.

• NCD Management

We support countries in developing cost-effective and equitable strategies for managing NCDs, particularly in low- and middle-income settings where limited resources and differing health system capacities require tailored approaches. By promoting innovative models and supporting implementation at the primary healthcare level, we help countries adopt solutions that respond to their unique needs.

• Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)

We apply SBCC approaches that are rooted in the communities they serve. By placing communities at the center of design and implementation, EMPHNET ensures that interventions reflect local needs, values, and priorities. SBCC becomes not just a campaign, but a continuous, sustainable process that strengthens systems and supports healthier behaviors over time.

• Networking and Collaborations

Effective NCD prevention and control require coordinated action across sectors. EMPHNET builds and strengthens partnerships to unify efforts, promote shared priorities, and advance impactful solutions across the region. By engaging with networks, alliances, academic institutions, community organizations, and global entities, we support countries in addressing NCDs through connected, multisectoral action.

Impact of Our Collaborations

• Fostered innovation in disease prevention and management
• Advanced community-based research and evidence generation
• Expanded regional contributions through technical and strategic support
• Enhanced access to care through culturally relevant interventions