Non-communicable diseases

An MSF nurse checks the vital signs and glucose level of a diabetes patient at the MSF clinic for non-communicable diseases in Hawija General hospital in Hawija, Kirkuk. Iraq, February 2022.

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Non-communicable diseases require lifelong care.

In places with low-resources, or that are in crisis, they can become difficult to manage.

Non-communicable diseases, or NCDs, include a wide range of non-infectious, chronic health conditions. Asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and epilepsy are NCDs that we often treat. In certain countries, we also treat people with some types of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Many NCDs can be properly managed with the right treatment, but our teams often meet people who struggle to receive the healthcare they need to relieve the burden of their condition. Access to medicines, whether because medications are unaffordable, in too short supply, or not at all available, remains a consistent barrier to care that we try to overcome with our patients.

Anis Al-Bahash holds his insulin pens in his hands. Athens, Greece, May 2024.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, need consistent care and medication to manage their conditions. In places like South Africa, people may have to travel long distances to reach somewhere they can get medication. That’s why we are working in Eastern Cape province, creating ‘pick-up points’ in communities for people to have sustainable access to the medicine they need. We also advocate pharmaceutical companies to lower the price of insulin, which is a necessary medicine for type 1 diabetes, to US$1 per injectable pen, so that people everywhere can better afford their life-saving medication.

Patients during a chemotherapy session at Queens Elizabeth hospital in Blantyre. Patients receive medication prior to treatment to minimize the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Malawi, October 2023.

Many of the places where we work do not have the resources to screen and treat people for a range of different cancers. People who have cancer need access to treatments, as well as ongoing support through the difficult treatment process. In Mali, our teams began a project in Bamako to enhance detection and treatment for cervical and breast cancer. As part of this project, we are offering curative and palliative care to women, assisting the Ministry of Health with mass screening campaigns, and improving detection by investing in laboratories.

Serfine Gwayo, a community health promoter (left) tests a patient during a DSD group formation session in Nyalkinyi Health Facility

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic disease that, if uncontrolled, can lead to complications like stroke and heart attacks. In Kenya, we started a patient-centred programme that uses health promotion and group sessions to improve people’s understanding of the disease. With better understanding, patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment.

MSF supports schools of students living with epilepsy

Children gather outside a school in Liberia. Young people living with epilepsy in Liberia can find it difficult to stay in school because of their seizures and the stigma attached to the disease. Our teams support students living with epilepsy. Liberia, June 2022.

Epilepsy results from an underlying brain disorder that causes seizures. It can be lifelong, but seizures can be controlled with treatment. In children, untreated epilepsy can cause life-long setbacks. Since 2014, we have worked with the Ministry of Health in Liberia on a project to treat children with epilepsy and help them stay in school. As part of this project, children receive the anti-epileptic drugs they need, along with counselling to address negative feelings they may have because of stigmatisation.