The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where 86% of premature NCD deaths occur. Only by working together – across sectors – can we change the course of this crisis.

In a recent BBC and NCD Alliance mini-documentary series, Turning the Tide, Access Accelerated produced three films that showcase the work we are undertaking with partners in our three focus countries – Kenya, Ghana and Vietnam. The films explore how we implement innovative, scalable solutions, and most importantly, lift up the perspectives of people living with NCDs and health workers.

Check out the series:

Kenya
Did you know 75% of Kenyans who live with hypertension don’t know they have it? Known as “the silent killer,” hypertension can lead to stroke, heart failure, and for Joseph Jamenya’s father, death. Today, Joseph is an advocate for NCD care who ran from Vihiga to Nairobi while urging counties to open health clinics for cardiovascular diseases. His story is included in the film produced in collaboration with the World Heart Federation in Kenya:

Ghana
SDG 3.4 is not only a commitment to NCD prevention and treatment, but also in support of mental health and well-being. In Ghana, Martha Coffie is leading the way. While overcoming the isolation and stigma of depression, Martha lends her voice to advocacy for people living with NCDs, to the “Our Views, Our Voices” program led by the NCD Alliance, and now, to our new Turning the Tide film in Ghana:

Vietnam
Access Accelerated, PATH and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health are scaling a successful hypertension prevention and management program, originally started by Novartis Foundation in Ho Chi Minh City in 2016, to reach people across the country and to include other NCDs. Through the perspectives of community volunteers like Ms. Tao and partners like the Ministry of Health’s Dr. Truong Dinh Bac, the film showcases the power of a community-based and people-centered approach: