Non-Communicable Diseases
Chronic Diseases on the Rise
Swiss TPH works to advance the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through innovative, affordable and sustainable approaches tailored to local contexts. Our work promotes social equity by ensuring that effective interventions reach those most in need.
As populations age and lifestyles change, chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer are rising rapidly. Unhealthy diets, pollution, stress and weak health systems also affect physical and mental health worldwide. Many NCDs require lifelong treatment and impose a significant financial burden on individuals and health systems. As a result, they have become the "modern diseases of poverty", disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries and contributing to a double burden of disease alongside infectious diseases.
What We Do
Swiss TPH develops and tests new solutions to reduce the burden of NCDs – through prevention, early detection and better care. Our work includes:
- Understanding the causes and risk factors: We conduct long-term studies to understand what drives chronic diseases and how to prevent them.
- Improving screening and diagnosis: We develop scalable, cost-effective diagnostic solutions to increase early detection.
- Designing effective interventions: We create and test strategies that help people manage their conditions – at home, in clinics, and across health systems.
- Linking research and policy: We use transdisciplinary and translational research to help shape better health policies and programmes.
From Research to Real-World Change
Swiss TPH works with local and global partners to ensure research leads to real-world impact. We support integrated disease control strategies that improve access to care and reduce long-term costs, especially in underserved regions.
Looking Ahead
Swiss TPH will continue to lead research and innovation, and shape policies that make NCD prevention and care more effective, accessible, and equitable. Through sustained efforts, we aim to build healthier communities and strengthen global resilience to chronic disease.