Responding to the global NCD epidemic callsfor novel, evidence-informed and equitable interventions that combine new technologies with outside-the-box ideas, multidisciplinary thinking, and cross-sectoral action. The NCD Lab is a dedicated platform crowdsourcing grassroots innovation for NCD prevention and control.
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Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and heart disease are the world’s biggest causes of death and disability. Their causes are multifaceted and complex, spanning from social, economic, and cultural factors to behavior patterns and health literacy.
Bottom-up, grassroots health initiatives that mobilize community knowledge and account for local contexts often prove more effective and sustainable in addressing NCDs than externally managed, ‘top-down’ interventions. If locally sourced innovations can be corroborated by evidence and scaled in different settings, they could have major national or even global impact.
Launched by the WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on NCDs (GCM/NCD), the NCD Lab invites, reviews and showcases innovative tools and novel approaches to tackle NCDs in countries around the world. Each submission cycle focuses on a theme based on country needs and evidence.
Shortlisted and winning submissions are featured on the NCD Lab website and are amplified through the GCM/NCD’s extensive global network of leading NCD actors.
The NCD Lab awards innovative projects in three main thematic areas ‘Women and Girls’, ‘NCDs and the Next Generation’, and ‘Meaningful Involvement of People Living with NCDs and Mental Health Conditions’. Each thematic area is co-chaired by a GCM/NCD Participant and supported by a dedicated Steering Group with international experts from multiplesectors.
The NCD Lab accepts project submissions from individuals or groups of individuals. Projects may not be submitted on behalf or in the name of any entity (institution, organization, company).
Projects may not be connected to or funded by any of the following industries: tobacco, arms, pharmacological, food and beverage, sports, gaming, alcohol, gambling, or sports betting.
