“Empowering healthcare professionals with evidence-based learning”

NCD are the leading cause of global mortality, accounting for 74% of all deaths annually, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. These chronic illnesses—such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and cancers—pose a significant challenge to sustainable development.

While genetic, physiological, and environmental factors contribute to NCD, lifestyle choices like unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol exacerbate the problem. Recognizing the urgent need for action, UNITAR established the Division on NCD, Digital Health, and Capacity Building in 2023, which builds on the previous and ongoing work done with The Defeat-NCD Partnership. Our work supports SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce NCD-related deaths by one-third by 2030, and helps achieve Universal Health Coverage and to build resilient, equitable health systems.

We are dedicated to advancing global health by enabling and assisting low-income and lesser-developed countries to scale up sustained action against global health challenges. Our mission aligns with SDG 3: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by low-resource countries.

By partnering with global universities and international organizations on comprehensive national capacity-building initiatives, we empower countries to strengthen their health systems, ensuring they are resilient and equipped to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases effectively. We also prioritize equipping health professionals with the targeted knowledge and skills needed to implement evidence-based interventions and improve outcomes in their communities.

Our work is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to achieving healthier, more sustainable futures for all.

Guided by insights from an independent evaluation of UNITAR’s postgraduate programmes, our division focuses on delivering high-quality educational initiatives, fostering impactful collaborations, and ensuring accessibility for all. We do this by partnering with universities, other UN organizations, governments, strategic partners, civil society, and the private sector to:

• conduct systematic market research to ensure courses address critical global health issues, particularly NCD prevention and management.
• deliver evidence-based learning solutions that are up-to-date, aligned with our strategic objectives, and grounded in research and best practices.
• design a wide range of programmes to meet the lifelong learning needs of health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders.
• integrate the expertise and resources of our partners as well as explore institutional accreditation to provide globally recognized credentials.
• promote research collaborations to inform and improve health training programmes.
• develop business models and explore funding opportunities to support long-term programme viability.

We are seeking organizations that:

• share our mission to advance global health and reduce the burden of NCD.
• provide expertise, resources, or innovative methods in health education and capacity building.
• value collaboration to co-create transformative, scalable solutions.
• are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, and sustainable health initiatives.

Aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our work addresses key challenges in global health, empowering low- and middle-income countries to build:

• resilient health systems: Strengthened infrastructure and workforce to combat NCD.
• equitable access to healthcare: Ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against NCD.
• innovative digital health solutions: Transforming how healthcare is delivered and monitored.

Our division, in collaboration with The Defeat-NCD Partnership – a strategic partner, and other national and international partners, has been at the forefront of transformative initiatives to combat NCD and disseminate information and best practices on global health. Together, we have delivered impactful projects that drive innovation, foster collaboration, and create lasting change.

Our Division’s Advisory Board consists of global health leaders who provide expert guidance to ensure our programmes meet the highest technical and ethical standards. Learn more about our members on the Advisory Board page.

At UNITAR, we are committed to defeating NCD, advancing digital health innovation, and fostering healthier, more equitable societies worldwide. 

Join us in shaping the future of global health and capacity building! We’re excited to collaborate with partners who share our vision for innovative and impactful learning solutions. Let’s make a difference together.

Contact us: learning@unitar.org | Visit our Learning Solutions website: HealthDemy.org

LinkedIn: UNITAR Division for Global Health | X: @UNITARhealth  | Medium: @unitarglobalhealth

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