Kigali, Rwanda – 15 February 2025
Download the full event report
As part of the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum, Access Accelerated, in collaboration with the World Bank, Results for Development (R4D), and the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), hosted a pivotal satellite session titled “Gaps and Opportunities in NCD Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Transforming Insights into Impact.” The event brought together more than 100 policymakers, civil society leaders, and private sector stakeholders to address the urgent need for sustainable financing solutions for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.
The Growing Burden of NCDs in LMICs
Herb Riband, Director of Access Accelerated, opened the session by underscoring the growing burden of NCDs worldwide and the need for locally driven solutions that are both effective and sustainable. He emphasized that while global attention on NCDs is increasing, financing gaps persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems are already stretched by competing priorities.
Roberto Iunes, Senior Health Economist at the World Bank, expanded on these challenges, noting that many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are balancing responses to infectious diseases and maternal and child health while also grappling with a rapid rise in NCDs. Without urgent action, he warned, the health and economic consequences of these diseases would continue to escalate.
Both technical and financial support in addressing these challenges, catalytic investment and a strong primary healthcare system were noted as key pillars of the NCD response, with the Financing Accelerator Network for NCDs (FAN) highlighted as an example of an initiative fostering regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
“FAN is a critical initiative that puts action on the ground, close to countries, with regional perspectives so we can gather, catalyze, and galvanize knowledge and experiences from different countries.” Roberto Iunes, World Bank
Addressing Structural Gaps in NCD Financing
A key part of the session was the presentation of preliminary findings from the NCD Financing Landscape Analysis for Sub-Saharan Africa, a study conducted as part of FAN’s regional work. Dr. Jackson Otieno, Senior Research and Policy Analyst at AFIDEP and Technical Co-Lead of FAN, shared insights into the region’s NCD financing landscape. More than 60% of NCD-related healthcare costs are covered by out-of-pocket expenditures, with that figure reaching as high as 90% in some countries.
Beyond the financial burden on individuals, the study revealed deeper structural challenges that hinder sustainable financing. Weak policy frameworks, limited engagement from civil society and the private sector, and inadequate data tracking mechanisms all contribute to the persistent funding gaps.
Dr. Otieno stressed the need for targeted interventions, calling for the integration of NCD financing into national policy frameworks, improved coordination of funding sources, stronger private sector participation, and enhanced mechanisms for data collection and financial tracking.
Exploring Solutions: Strengthening NCD Financing
An expert panel of ministerial and civil society representatives, moderated by Amanda Folsom, Practice Lead for Collaborative Learning at Results for Development, examined strategies to close financing gaps and scale successful models. Panelists included Dr. Gladwell Gathecha, Head of the NCDs Division at Kenya’s Ministry of Health; Dr. Evode Niyibizi, Senior Policy Advisor and NHIC Manager at Rwanda’s Ministry of Health; and Mr. Ferdinant M. Sonyuy, President and CEO of RADA and Secretary-General of the Cameroon Civil Society NCD Alliance.
Throughout the discussion, panelists reflected on country-level initiatives and the lessons they offer for the broader region. Kenya’s approach to integrating NCD care into primary healthcare has expanded access to essential NCD services at the community level, including screening, pathology, medicines, and rehabilitation. Rwanda’s newly established National Health Intelligence Center has improved the use of data for evidence-based budget allocation for NCDs, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most. Panelists also underscored the importance of equipping civil society organizations with the knowledge and tools to advocate for transparent and accountable budget planning, ensuring that financing for NCDs remains a national priority.
The conversation also explored the role of strategic partnerships in advancing sustainable financing. Participants highlighted the need for greater collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen participation, reduce donor fragmentation, and improve resource allocation through joint planning. By fostering shared ownership and accountability, panelists argued, partnerships could drive more effective and equitable financing models.
Transforming Insights into Impact
The session reinforced a crucial message: securing funds for NCDs is only the first step. Ensuring that these resources translate into tangible health improvements requires evidence-based policies, strong multi-stakeholder collaboration, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. As economic uncertainties continue to shape global health funding, the need for locally relevant, practical solutions is more pressing than ever.
Closing the discussion, Aura Wilhelmsen, Health Equity Lead at Novo Nordisk and Vice Chair of the Access Accelerated Executive Committee, reflected on the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
“If we always meet each other with an open mind and are ready to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, we can do great things.”
For a deeper analysis of the event’s discussion, read the full report: Gaps and Opportunities in NCD Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Transforming Insights into Impact.