Third Cycle of the WHO NCD Lab: Tackling obesity through innovation and global action

Are you an innovator in the field of noncommunicable disease prevention and control?  Are you leading a novel initiative, developing an ingenious tool, or are you part of a creative team committed to tackling obesity? The third cycle of the WHO NCD Lab would like to hear and learn from you!

Crowdsourcing innovation for an effective NCD-response

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions are the world’s biggest causes of death and disability. Due to persisting inequities in NCD prevention, treatment and care, fewer than one-fifth of countries are on track to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal targets to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third. The causes of NCDs are multifaceted and complex, spanning from social, economic, and cultural factors to behaviour patterns and health literacy. WHO supports countries to reach SDG 3.4 and recognizes that tackling NCDs at a global scale calls for innovative, evidence-informed approaches that combine new technologies with outside-the-box response strategies, multidisciplinary thinking, and cross-sectoral action.

Connecting local initiatives to a global network

Launched by the Global Coordination Mechanism on NCDs (GCM/NCD), the World Health Organization’s (WHO) NCD Lab is an initiative aiming to crowdsource and foster innovation in NCD policies and programmes. In recurring submission cycles, the NCD Lab invites, reviews, and showcases innovative tools and novel approaches to tackle NCDs in countries around the world. Shortlisted and winning submissions are featured on the NCD Lab website and are promoted through the GCM/NCD’s extensive global network of leading NCD actors.  

Tackling the global rise of obesity

For its third cycle, the NCD Lab is inviting submissions of innovative tools and initiatives dedicated to tackling the global rise of obesity. As part of WHO's Acceleration Plan to STOP Obesity in high burden countries and catalyse global action, this NCD Lab cycle welcomes novel approaches that address the multiple determinants of obesity and have the potential to positively impact people’s decisions around food intake and physical activity. Submissions are required to apply to one of the NCD Lab core thematic areas, focusing on Women and Girls, NCDs and the Next Generation, and Meaningful Involvement of People living with NCDs and Mental Health Conditions.

• Submission Pack: NCDs and the Next Generation (Arabic | Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish)
• Submission Pack: Women and Girls (Arabic | Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish)
• Submission Pack: Meaningful Engagement of PLWNCDs and Mental Health Conditions (Arabic | Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish)
• Submit your project (English)
• Visit the NCD Lab website (English)