The WHO NCD Lab: Supporting grassroots innovations on NCDs to achieve greater scale and impact

Innovative action is urgently needed to curb the global epidemic of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and mental health conditions. Initiatives that are led by and for people in underserved communities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, have the potential to address the root causes of NCDs and transform how health services are delivered. Grassroots innovations are often more effective, equitable and sustainable, as innovators are close to a problem and the people that are affected by it. 

Since its launch in 2021, the NCD Lab has identified multiple promising grassroots innovations on NCDs and supported them to achieve greater scale and impact. Through its annual calls for submissions, the NCD Lab welcomes innovative projects that respond to pressing health issues, country needs, and implementation opportunities.

The NCD Lab now welcomes projects submitted by organizations, including from nongovernmental organizations, civil society actors, social enterprises, and others.

Explore the NCD Lab and stay tuned for the 4th cycle call launching in April 2024.

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NCD Lab: Great ideas start with a spark– and grow from the ground up

Selected innovations are included in a global portfolio of leading NCD innovations and receive tailored support to enhance impact and achieve scale by the WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on NCDs and its partners. NCD Lab innovators participate in high-level meetings, promote their work to WHO countries and strategic partners, and have access to dedicated networking events and capacity-building workshops.

Join a growing global community of innovators, implementers and partners.

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Grassroots Innovations on NCDs

Lessons learned from scaling grassroots innovations – from articulating demand through to implementation and evaluation - are shared with policymakers to build their capacity to strengthen NCD services in their countries.