WHO non-communicable diseases Global Monitoring Framework: Pandemic resilience in sub-Saharan Africa and Low-income Countries

• COVID-19 crisis highlights how Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) exacerbate inequalities for vulnerable populations. • Ageing populations, growing incomes, and behavioural risk factors contribute to premature NCD-related deaths. • NCDs disproportionately affect low-income countries, where they are the leading cause of death. • Health systems in low-income countries are focused on curative and epidemiological care. • Addressing NCDs and their risk factors could enhance resilience for future pandemics in low-income settings..