NCD stories

Tahreem Misbah, Pakistan

My grandfather died of heart disease and my father had an episode of myocardial infarction few days back. I was shocked to see his reports, and his condition was a saddening situation. However, the actual dilemma is that people in my family have a lot of misconceptions and myths with them. Their beliefs lead them to think that these diseases are completely curable and prevention plays no role in the control and management of these diseases . Now I am struggling to make him take his medicines regularly and regular blood pressure monitoring. It had a strong Impact on our family and I want to educate people about these NCDs and their lifelong effects on us. More

Nimra Mir, Pakistan

Diabetes runs in my family. Diabetes has a pronounced emotional effect on family particularly on those who are closely associated to one suffering from it. My aunt had diabetes for years and she developed gangrene of foot. Doctors tried to treat her but it started getting worse. Sadly she had sepsis later and died of septic shock. I don't want anyone to suffer from the pain she went through specially any other one from family. Regular checking of feet of diabetic, wearing diabetic socks, exercise, comfortable socks and maintaining blood sugar level can prevent this lethal condition. More

Ashish Wadekar, India

I have seen many people suffering from cancer but this is something which was heart touching for me. My friend's father who was a doctor himself suffered from tumor of pancreas just when my friend entered medical school. It was pretty normal until one day when his dad had sudden pain in abdominal region. Diagnosis was suggestive of tumor of pancreas. Everyone was in a state of shock and thinking what went wrong? We extended our support to our friend, and the day came during our exams, his father was no more. After 3 months of hospitalization uncle lost the battle. From that time, always when I heard of the word cancer, I remember this incident. More

Maham Afzal, Pakistan

I remember the time when I could not even walk more than a block because of the severe pain in my bones. This started happening a little over a month after I had gotten admission in a medical college. Being a freshman, and that too in a demanding field like medicine, with these symptoms was a nightmare for me. After a while, the bone and muscle pain got so severe that I could not keep up with my studies anymore. I was stressed and depressed and started withdrawing socially. I decided to leave medicine thinking it was too much for me to handle considering the exhausting effect it had on me. I did not even give a second thought to the idea that i might be suffering from some medical condition. After months of suffering and numerous visits to many doctors, I had my blood tested for vitamin D levels. The results that came out showed severe deficiency with a level 8. After starting supplements I felt instant relief from the symptoms and finally life came back to normal after missing out on 3 months of college. Majority of the people, like I did, ignore minor signs and symptoms until they become too severe and have major effects on their lives. Providing awareness to the people all around us to be cautious regarding their health even if the symptoms they are experiencing now are mild helps to prevent the condition from accelerating and improves the quality of life. More

Duaa Fatima, Pakistan

The blood test reports came as a shock to me. No one in my family ever had the condition, how could he have it? The piece of paper in my hands screamed diabetes. The debilitating condition that only associated with people other than myself. But I had always been a fighter. Now in the face of this frightening enemy I decided to stand my ground. Then began a regime of extensive exercises, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes. The cakes I loved so much were thrown out of the refrigerator. My favorite beverages were substituted by plain water. 5 cups of coffee a day were a thing of the past. My ritual of late night beer and chicken 4 times a week was taken over by early nights and early mornings. Needless to say, the next time I had a detailed testing, I knew I had overpowered the foe. But I knew this is a lifelong battle, and I'd need persistence and constant vigilance to keep on top of it. This is my cousin's battle with diabetes. More

Saad Uakkas, Morocco

I remember when I was 12 years old, my mother used to deprive me of coke, sweets and fast food. At the time I was a little kid seeing my friends enjoying delicious food, while I was stuck with my mother's healthy sandwiches and fruit. 7 years later, I grew up and became a medical student. I learnt about multiple diseases that go under the name of NCDs, those diseases have a major risk factor which was a bad lifestyle and bad habits. Then I realized how important my mother's attitude was. I decided to join the association of medical students, and to share this attitude with others. We began to go to high schools, and to talk with young people about their lifestyles, about addiction, tobacco, sport, and healthy nutrition. Today is my third year working on this activity, and what keeps me motivated are the patients I see everyday with chronic diseases. The grandparents having to cut their toes because of a lack of mobility or a bad food choice when they were young. My aunt who has cardiac disease and can't play with her kids in the park. This keeps me wanting to tell people that NCDs can touch anyone, and that it is our choice and our decision to avoid these diseases and protect ourselves from them. More

Umair Ashraf, Pakistan

We are living a consumer oriented life in 21st century. The products are being sold today without any check for health related issues. There is no proper awareness for consumers and thus the diseases related to the misuse of daily products is on a rise. My father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year and since then he has been cautious about his diet and lifestyle. But before he was diagnosed he used to consume the sugar-containing products without any check which resulted in predisposition to his disease. Nowadays he has been very cautious about his diet and exercises regularly. His sugar levels are very much maintained. Prevention is better than cure is undoubtedly a very important message and should be implemented at all the levels in community. All the noncommunicable diseases can be prevented at primordial level just by few basic interventions. More

Sushmita Bhandary, Nepal

This comes from a 4th year medical student who believes that even though counselling might seem tough it really brings the change. When i came to know that my best friend had started smoking because he could not cope with the stress of his workplace and the challenge of maintaining his grades, this left me in stitches. Then I started sending him this message daily -"How can a tiny white stick be more powerful than my best friend whom i have known for decades?", along with other doses of message daily including the risks of smoking. I also gave him with the example of one of my neighbours who had to struggle with lung cancer because of the same cigarettes he had been pleasuring himself with.Thankfully this daily dose of counselling helped ease his stress and with time he reduced the number of cigarettes he smoked per day and yes now I proudly say - I have been able to make my stubborn best friend quit smoking, then why can't we all do it to anybody? So I think it's a bit presumptuous these days to judge anyone just because they are holding a cigarette; rather counseling in a nonjudgmental way could be the best option. More

Hassan Saeed, Pakistan

My maternal grandmother succumbed to breast cancer a while after I was born. My maternal grandfather had recently died from lung cancer, within 2 weeks of the first CT Scan he had in his life. He used to love smoking and continued to do so till his late 50’s. My mom had lost both of her parents and I had lost someone that used to call to check up on me each time I didn’t make it to the weekly family dinner. During my grandfather’s last days, relatives used to visit his home to ask about his health. But they really never wanted to hear about how he was actually doing. All they wanted were stories of hope and recovery, and I don’t blame them, I wanted them too. The thought which pestered me the most during that time was the fact that these stories of hope and recovery might have been a reality had the cancer been caught early. The cancer might have been preventable all together. Initially, health systems across the world used to focus on just curing a disease, luckily that has changed and more and more efforts are being made prevent them from ever happening. Annual checkups, screening for high risk patients, controlling risk factors and public education all play a role. These things if truly incorporated into the health system might help a grandfather see the marriage of his last child, a grandmother see her grandson walk for the first time and it might just help people get control of their own lives before a disease overtakes it. More

Mychelle Farmer, United States

As I sat in my obstetrician’s office, I was stunned by her statement, “I believe your blood pressure is not returning to normal range as we expected.” This was my second postpartum visit, and I was feeling fine. Yes, my pregnancy was complicated by pre-eclampsia, I required an emergency Caesarian-section due to complications resulting from this condition. Throughout my pregnancy, I clung to the belief that the high blood pressure was temporary, due to pre-eclampsia. I was convinced this problem would disappear once I had my baby. Could I have been wrong?? My obstetrician repeated her statement, and she explained some women who develop high blood pressure, or hypertension, in pregnancy are at increased risk for lifelong hypertension. She reminded me postpartum visits are very important, because it permits critical follow-up for pregnancy-related complications. At eight weeks postpartum, she referred me to my primary care doctor, who confirmed the condition. Although I tried using lifestyle changes, I require medication to control my blood pressure. I exercise regularly, and I watch my diet because I believe a healthy lifestyle is important. NCDs like hypertension, can run in families, and I have several family members with hypertension. We encourage each other to comply with our doctors’ instructions. We stay positive, and we know that our love and support encourages us to be strong for each other. Together, we can #beatNCDs! More

Umar Shehryar, Pakistan

You surely learn a lesson when you lose both of your grandparents to cancer that was caused due to chain smoking. Most of my childhood was spent at my maternal grandparents’ place. I still remember playing with him with a cigarette in his mouth almost all the time. We even got him a carton, because it featured the Kate Winslet poster for the blockbuster movie - Titanic. I just wish now I had not done it. Now that they are gone, I miss them and wish they were still around. It had a great impact on me. I even started a Facebook page but somehow lost my way in between to market it actively. Wherever I meet someone smoking I try my best to convince them to quit and so far I've been successful in getting 4 people to quit. More

Ayesha Naeem, Pakistan

Reflecting back on my childhood i cannot ever skip the smudge of grief that descended upon my family when my mother's cousin, young and full of life, lost her life to a stroke due to sudden rise in blood pressure. She was happily married and mother of a toddler. Her husband was about to return from abroad and had bought for her the gold bangles she had asked for. One day while doing her daily chores, the fatefully fatal chain of events set into motion and the silent killer took her life while her toddler kept screaming for his mother at the top of his lungs which eventually led to the neighbors finding her body in a pool of blood. As a child I couldn't get over the dread that the little boy would have to face, growing up without a mother. A husband coming back only to bury his wife and probably his heart too. Fear took over me when my mother recently started having headaches because of hypertension. Hypertension is so common yet hard to be diagnosed at an early stage and still, be cured. I wish for the advances in technology and science should be directed most towards the health and care of patients because what is more important than human life and experiences. More

Natasha Irfan, Pakistan

The death of my grandmother is still fresh in my memory although it has been years. It was quite a shock. She was only 55 years old. Passed away from a silent heart attack in the night. I don't remember anything about my grandfather other than the stories I've heard or the pictures I've seen. Both my paternal grandparents were diabetics. Grandpa suffered from gangrene. My parents are diabetics as well. You will be amazed by the amount of sugar and fats we consume in our diet as a nation. Coming from a low income country, where NCDs are the major contributor to morbidity and mortality, having diabetes is a norm. My major struggle has been getting people to realize that noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are actually preventable and manageable diseases, not life sentences. In my country getting diagnosed with diabetes is like a death sentence. The problem is that no one links it to the diet they consume or the lifestyle they adapt. Ever since I got into medical school, I've been working to educate and raise awareness about these diseases through multiple campaigns. NCDs affect almost everyone, either directly or indirectly. I want people to realize that these diseases are preventable. Lifestyle modifications play a major role in their prevention. Controlling risk factors and public education play a very important role in the reducing the burden of NCDs. With constant effort, hopefully one day we can realize the dream of a world free of the burden of NCDs. More

Alishba Mubashar Gondal, Pakistan

That night is still vivid in my memory when my mother was sobbing and praying for the recovery of my grandfather. It was the second consecutive heart attack in last six months. And due to his failing kidneys angiography couln't be done and his treatment was solely based on pharmacological intervention. Those agony filled six hours finally ended with the doctor's affirmation about the stability in his condition. But that night wasn't the end of his quagmire. After some days he had right sided hemiplegia because of stroke and that person who was once known for his energetic and blissful personality was now submerged in the swamps of depression and anxiety. From that day till present i have always seen his eyes shimmering with tears because now that independent person is subservient to others even for his basic needs.The culprit of his present condition is TOBACCO which remained his consistent companion in seclusion and public even after being diagnosed of having heart disease and diabetes. This notorious drug contributes in detoriation of every organ of a smoker's body.So it's a heartfelt request for all out there to quit this "silent killer" for the love of your loved ones. This event inculcated in me a desire to take part in awareness campaigns. But as a medical student i believe that there are some stressors and external factors that lead to this addiction. In future i want to take part in psycotherapy of smokers because only advertising "SMOKING KILLS" is not the solution. More

Shenell Bolden, United States

My father was 50 yo when he died suddenly of a massive heart attack. I was taken aback when I got the phone call. My sorrow grew deeper when I learned my father’s heart attack may have been preventable. He was unaware he had multiple risk factors for heart disease. He did not know he had transitioned from border-line-diabetes to full-blown disease. My father walked into the hospital, for what he thought would be a routine trip to the Emergency Room, because of mild chest pain. He needed an emergency procedure, but my father died in the hospital’s Emergency Room. Public Health education about noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is greatly needed at the community and at the national levels. My father was probably sick for months; his diabetes did not present with symptoms that he could detect on his own. The signs of heart disease may not develop until the condition becomes life-threatening. Had he known about his condition, doctors believe my father could have been saved. He died at a very young age, and his early death was devastating for my family. Early deaths due to NCDs can have a profound impact on a family. Many of these deaths are preventable. If my NCDs & Me story has the power to do anything, I hope to spread awareness so that we can encourage loved ones to be diligent about NCDs prevention and to be mindful of NCDs screening. More

Bruno Carrattini, Uruguay

My name is Bruno Carrattini and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 17 years old. I have lived with this condition for 12 years now and have learned a lot about diabetes care in order to have a good quality of life, but at the beginning it was not easy ... it was a new path full of surprises and uncertainties until I started to inform and motivate to take care of myself. Living with a NCD is not easy, particularly type 1 diabetes, requires your total attention 24/7 and does not rest. Sometimes it can be very stressful and demanding, but the important thing is not to forget that it is there and to learn to control it. Education is key to achieving your goals, knowing what happens with your body and how to prevent and solve situations is fundamental in the treatment to gain greater independence. Currently I consider myself a very resilient person and I’m dedicating my efforts and work to help my peers in the region. I believe that the people who live with NCDs are key to make a difference in the priorities of those who make decisions, we need to be a strong voice that represents what we live to be heard and taken into account. More

Anurag, Nepal

I am a medical student from Nepal, 24 Growing up in a family which has been plagued by an alcohol user is very hard. Alcohol is just another source of enjoyment for many, a few glasses and the inner you comes out, but for my father, it wasn't just his inner side that came out, but his other personalities as well. As a child, I thought the arguments my mom and dad had, after he came home late, were just an exchange of few angry words. But as I grew, and started understanding more. My father has done a lot for me, has made me who I am and has never physically abused us or has he done anything erratic under the influence of alcohol. But when he does drink, the things that he says, pierce your heart one word after the other. After joining medical school, I realized he was acting strange and different every time he drank. And that was when, after seeking medical help we found out that he had Multiple Personality disorder and whenever he drank, he wouldn't remain himself. Thanks to God and to the norms of the Eastern world‌, the family hasn't broken down. We are still trying to support him in quitting alcohol but he relapses sometimes and it's the same story yet again. I wish there was a remedy for alcohol addiction, and other substances as well. Let's hope that someday we do get a remedy that blocks these dopamine receptors specific to specific substances or even better medications, strategies, therapies that can put and end to substance abuse and help millions worldwide. More

TB survivor, India

I was diagnosed with Tuberculosis in April last year. I had been working in the public health sector for two years and still was not ready to accept that I had TB. People with TB are considered to be cursed in India no matter who you are. The first few weeks were more of a mental torture than physical because it took a lot of effort for me to accept the fact that I have TB. Till date only my parents, doctor and I know of my TB. Not even my real brother knows about it. For others I was just unwell for a couple of weeks. The treatment went for 6 months and just after a week into my treatment I started working in the community with TB hospitals and TB patients. My parents were scared but I was adamant. And trust me that really helped me overcome my mental torture. I know TB is a communicable disease but the depression and social stigma which come wit it is an NCD. I had a number of break downs but I was lucky to have my family around. The treatment or the disease was not a problem but the inability to openly talk and feel my disease was the biggest problem. I still have not told anyone about and I don't think I will ever be able to do so. No matter how educated the other person the reaction to a disease like TB will always be disturbing. Recently, one of the patients at the hospital I work died not because of the disease or treatment but the social stigma. She committed suicide and died. We usually ignore the underlying NCDs associated with communicable diseases like TB. More

Elizabeth T Peters, Nigeria

Each year, 15 million people die prematurely from largely avoidable risks – unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. They are “avoidable” because actions can be taken by us, such as avoiding sedentary lifestyles and taking up more active ones, cutting harmful habits and developing positive ones - could be all that we need to save us from the needless deaths of so many millions of people, who are mostly from low- and middle-income countries, making it one of the 21st centuries major health and socioeconomic crises. Action starts now! Swap that fizzy drink for a bottle of water, leave home a little earlier so you can walk more rather than drive - action begins with each and every one of us. More

Mikael, Denmark

I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in September 2016. My life was flipped upside down and the following months were a mentally and physically challenge. I had surgery and went through radiation therapy as well because of a precursor to cancer. Now I'm waiting to see if I have to undergo hormone treatment as a consequence of the cancer and radiation. I am disease free and my life is as normal as before. BUT my mind has changed in a way very few can understand. The underlying fear of a relapse and thoughts that aren't visible to my surroundings. People, even the ones closest to me, can see the scar after the surgery, but not the scars on my mind. And they are hard - and not always rational - to explain. Therefore, it is hard for the surroundings to understand what I'm going through. Eg. that a stomach ache or fatigue can awake a devastating fear of relapse because they CAN BE a cursor. I might be disease free, but the disease is still with me. Now that cancer isn't something you choose to experience I keep saying I had a good experience with having cancer. An effective and fast health care system and the best people around me in a tough time. I managed to stay happy and positive throughout the disease and today use my experiences working for the Danish Cancer Society. And live every day to its fullest. More

anonymous, Ghana

Stroke Association Supportnetwork-Ghana has lunch the first ever radio show on NCDs in Ghana called NCDs Straight TALK GHANA. the program is aim to champion NCDs prevention in ghana More

Cynthia Lam, China

I grew up catching smoke rings blown on the balcony with my cousins. My grandpa had been a smoker for decades and it was not until recent years that he quit it. Now he is healthy and well, and we are all very proud of his decision to quit it and pleased with how dramatically it had improved his health. However, I wonder how many families are as fortunate as we are to have our member successfully quitting smoking after spending most of his life doing it. Recently public health advocates in Hong Kong have been fighting a battle against the tobacco industry. I played a small part in it last year, making an oral deputation on supporting the increase in warning size on tobacco packagings at the legislative council, where I was also shocked as I heard some councilors, instead of supporting this just and fair proposal, going firmly against it using various excuses. The motion failed, but our work had not gone in vain - for we have been engaging more in this battle against NCDs; the more we are, the stronger we are. Let us build a future where more families share success stories of their members quitting smoking, and fewer people being trapped in bad health due to tobacco. More

Sarah W., Sweden

We were only 29 when a friend of mine had a dizzy spell that turned out to be two brain tumours. We spent his 30th birthday in the hospital, having cake and silently hoping this would not be his last birthday. He fought his tumours, surviving to see many birthdays to come, but he has never been the same since. Not only because the tumours had eaten up brain tissue that had formed his memories and personality, but also because an experience like this changes a person, forever. I've had a friend suffering an NCD, and I hope NCDs is something future generations will not have to suffer. I believe we can work together to prevent NCDs. More

Catherine Jackson-Cole, Sierra Leone

As a final year medical student, I have come across so many sick patients during ward rounds particularly in internal medicine and surgical rounds...a particular case that struck me was that of a young man in his early 30s who had to have an amputation(a surgery i assisted in) because of a leg ulcer as a result of diabetes meilitus...in Sierra Leone where I live, most foot ulcers are labelled as ‘witchcraft’ ‘demonic’ or something equally absurd and as such people seek traditional healers who make vegetable concoctions that are applied to the ulcers, not to talk about the heat and smoke (apparent healing methods) that are also applied! As a result fewer and fewer people seek medical attention until the last moment when there is no other option but amputation! On the surgical operating table I distinctively remember the young man loosing consciousness before any anesthesia was administered! In his heart he thought - I am about to loose my leg! concerning risk factors...sedentary lifestyle and family history seem to be at the top of the list and there’s so much we can do here in terms of education and community level outreach! More

anonymous, Uganda

It was back in 2010 when we as a family were ambushed by diabetes. That fateful day as I was called from school, only to find out my dad was rushed to hospital due to diabetes. Being a "science" student I searched to answer the question why? and that's when I found out about the risk factors and those symptoms we all took for granted (increased urination, thirst among others). Because my dad is a hard working man who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes the question still lingered in my mind. As for the family, this was a surprise and everyone was perplexed on the do's and dont's. I'm very grateful for the health workers and my dad for his commitment to managing diabetes. Because of this experience I joined the Federation of Uganda Medical Students Association (FUMSA) and founded the Prevention and Early Diagnosis of NCDs (PEDON) Project together with colleagues from IMCC Denmark. Together have been able to reach more than 5000 youth in secondary schools all over Uganda. During our ongoing partnership project we are looking to engage youth as key NCD Advocates. I know we can prevent this, however we need a collective effort. My goal is to educate all youth especially those those in socially neglected societies so as to influence behavioural change. I can't go with out thanking all team players from IMCC Denmark and FUMSA all over the country. (Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale and Kampala) for the GREAT WORK. #beatNCDs More

sulaiman, Oman

We in the gulf countries as in most of the developing countries are more affected by NCDs especially because of the change in the lifestyle; our people continue moving from urban places to the cities and becoming less active, eat more of fast food and they found it easy to get tobacco products. For the last 5 years I was not having any exercise program so i build up weight and start to have breathing difficulties on excretion. Recently i joined the NCD department and as I should be a role model in having ideal body weight I started doing regular exercise and I lost weight and became free of symptoms and am now enjoying life . The conclusion is: your life is much better when you are physically active. More

CYNTHIA ADANZE NGE, Cameroon

The girls from the Integrated Health Organization, BUEA, Cameroon, took a 1 km walk to join the fight against diabetes. This November 14th 2017 is the 22nd Edition of World Diabetes Day with the theme Women and Diabetes - our right to a healthy future. We want to remain healthy and we encourage all women to stay healthy too. More

Chikhulupiliro Stanley Jnr Ng'ombe, Malawi

My name is Chikhulupiliro Stanley Jnr Ng'ombe. I am a cancer survivor and advocate against cancer and now I advocate for NCD's too. I was born in Malawi. In 1992 my life as I knew it changed with a cancer diagnosis, - 'you have Leukemia' the doctor said. I was only 8 years old and cold barely understand it all. As if the diagnosis was not bad enough the prognosis was even worse - I had two days to live. I was sent for treatment to South Africa, far from home. For 3 years I underwent intensive chemotherapy, - one would think death was more bearable. I watched my parents sacrifice it all; time, money, property, you name it just to try and save my life. After the pain, agony and stress and patience, in 1995, I was declared cancer free. This to me, I believe, was training for the advocacy I was to do. In 2011 I started an organisation that is run by cancer survivors called Cancer Survivors Quest, and later in 2016 I played a role in forming the NCD Alliance for Malawi. Now my life is dedicated to assist those that have cancer and hope to reduce the incidence of cancer. I also know that there is the bigger fight of NCDs which I have joined. Every marrow left in my bones is dedicated towards fighting cancer and NCDs. I have a vision of a world where having an NCD does not make one feel hopeless. More

Małgorzata, Rwanda

For 4 months I had the pleasure to be a part of the medical staff at Nemba District Hospital, in Rwanda’s Northern Province. As a General Practitioner I was working in the Service of Internal Medicine and fighting with Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). What are NCDs patients struggling with in Rwanda? First, accessibility to a NCDs Clinics located in a district hospital or in a health centre, is not always easy as they might be located far from their residence. When suffering from asthma, patients might temporarily deal with lack of access to medications. For a long time sprays for asthmatic patients were not available in the country which puts their life in extreme danger! Hypertension - it is difficult to achieve a compliance with patients, since HT doesn’t cause any pain. The discontinuation of treatment leads to a risk of stroke which means being paralysed and thus, being dependent on family’s care. Diabetes - easily manageable in Europe with medical support, in Rwanda it's a DEAD SENTENCE. There's no access to the resources needed to treat disease.1$ to just measure glycaemia once per day? Crazy! A patient told me once: “I would rather have HIV instead of diabetes" Shocking worlds, but after analyzing the situation - it is understandable. Rwandans HIV-infected patients have a lifespan comparable to Europeans. Medications are refunded by the government. Whereas with diabetes, people are left behind. LET'S CHANGE IT! More

David Wood, Switzerland

The Global Coalition for Circulatory Health, launched on 18 October at the Montevideo conference unites the broader circulatory community and works in partnership with people living with and affected by circulatory diseases. By working together, a large group of international societies in official relations with WHO supported by multiple NGOs and scientific organizations, aim to drive the urgent action needed to combat heart disease and stroke. Led by the World Heart Federation, we are advocating for circulatory health to Governments and holding policy makers and politicians to account on national strategies and actions to achieve 25by25, and the SDGs 2030 targets. Circulatory diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading cause of death and disability in the world, killing around 17.7 million people a year. This means they are responsible for a third of all deaths on the planet and numbers are set to rise, to an estimated 23 million by 2030. It also means that if we are to #BeatNCDs and achieve the WHO target of a 25% reduction in premature mortality caused by NCDs by 2025 (25by25), we must drive a substantial reduction in heart attacks and stroke. Together, we are in a more powerful position to influence policies by speaking with one voice and to reduce the burden of, and premature deaths from, circulatory diseases. Together, we can #BeatNCDs. More

Kemi Windapo, Nigeria

In my first year in secondary school, I was told that my mum had left town on 'business' when she got back after a year of 'business', she looked so sickly and emaciated, she smelled like hospital. It didn't take much to realise that she had been ill and not only had she been ill; she battled and won against breast cancer. That period in my life was extremely difficult because I was young, emotional and no one was doing any talking as is common in African households. I had to learn to pick up after myself and understand things without being told. 15 years gone, she's alive well and thinking about options of breast reconstruction. My experience has made me extremely cautious about my health and I don't take any symptoms I have with levity. I do my Breast Examination after each menstrual period and get a yearly breast scan. I have made awareness for Breast Cancer in my local environment. Now, As a medical professional, I am faced with the challenge of attending to patients with various NCDs especially Hypertension and Diabetes which are prevalent in my immediate environment. I counsel patients on the risk factors for NCDs as well as their management, complications and the importance of drug compliance. My dream is to be able to educate people on a large scale so as to uphold the pillar of primary prevention of illnesses which is health education. More

Don Francisco, Chile

For 35 years I did very little sports and I ate a lot. I didn’t think of the consequences. Later, when I turned 60 I was diagnosed with diabetes. It was a big wake up call for my health. I started exercising every day and carefully managing my diet. I have seen that if you eat healthy foods and maintain a healthy body weight, exercise, eat less sugar, and if prescribed medicines, take them properly, you can completely turn your health around. Of course, prevention is always better than a need for treatment. For this reason, I am dismayed that so many people still don’t have access to the things that would allow them to make health choices to prevent NCDs. I’m talking about affordable and secure healthy food environments, spaces to exercise and protection from products that harm our health like tobacco and alcohol. My personal effort to beat diabetes was not easy and I had support. Surely it is our global responsibility to ensure we can all achieve good health. Governments have a vital role through public policies to make healthy choices easier. I hope many will gather in Uruguay this October for the WHO Global Conference on NCDs. I beat the drum to #BeatNCDs because I know how crucial it is to receive the right advice, treatment and care to face diabetes. 40 million people die each year as a result of NCDs, so it is time to beat the drum together and highlight the importance of addressing NCDs to build a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future for all. More

Ericka Wylie-Chambers, United States

“I have prostate cancer.” Words you never want to hear from a loved one. I personally experienced this conversation three times throughout my life. I have adjusted my personal and professional goals so that I might support my loved ones who are living with cancer. It was and still is difficult to support a relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially young men who are patriarchal figures. These men are husbands, fathers, and sons, and they contribute to our community in many meaningful ways. I remember the first time I had this heartbreaking conversation. I had just finished college, and was starting a new job. Instead of enjoying my free time, I would need to be a cancer caregiver. I began to research prostate cancer. I found that, according to the African American men are 1.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, in comparison to other racial groups, and twice as likely to die from this form of cancer. I thought “Why is this the first time I am hearing about this?” Fortunately the men in my life received early diagnosis by being proactive with their health through annual physician visits and screening; which is vital. With advancement in technology and screening techniques, prostate cancer should no longer be viewed as a death sentence. Family connections are important for the health of men with prostate cancer. I learned at a young age, home-based care and support for cancer patients can be essential for successful treatment. More

Emanuela, Brazil

Meu nome e emanuela hj Com 32anos continuo sofrendo com as dores incapacitantes da endometriose,ja fiz uma cirurgia tem um ano hoje estou com minha pelve totalmente congelada as dores pelvicas sao dilacerantes sinto dor 24 horas no dia ,a endometriose esta acometendo o intestino,bexiga, Reto sigmoide e vagina minha vida se tornou insuportavel.mesmo fazendo o uso da morfina e de outros medicamentos a cada 4/4 horas as dores nao cessam ,sem medicos especialistas nessa doenca ou que ao menos conheca e entenda a doenca me vejo lancada de um lado ao outro em busca de melhora ou de pelomenos uma qualidade de vida .cada dia que passa a doenca vai se agravando fico eu doente impossibilitada de trabalhar tendo que depender dos outros.a endometriose e uma doenca gravissima que devora tudo a sua volta e a vida dos seus.mata a muitas mulheres por consequencias e por suicidio. um problema serio e a saude publica e urgente nao se pode calar a dor precisamos urgentemente de medicos especialistas nao se pode esperar mais .somos 178 milhoes de mulheres chorando e gemendo gritando por socorro.nao estou vivendo eu sobrevivo enclausurada sendo torturada dia e noite pela dor incapacitante que e constante na vida de milhoes de mulheres que como eu estao sendo enterradas vivas ,pagando impostos altos e consumindo a medicina farmaceutica . mesmo sendo prisioneira dessa doenca maligna precisamos de medicos que nos de atencao e que respeitem nossa dor pois doi muito ter que conviver com isso. More

anonymous, Brazil

Meu nome é Gabrielle, tenho 37 anos. Descobri ser portadora de endometriose e endometrioma bilateral, a cinco anos atrás. Não tenho dores insuportáveis, no meu caso, ela é uma doença silenciosa. Só descobri ser portadora, por que não conseguia engravidar. Quando fiz a Ressonância pela primeira vez, descobri a endometriose profunda, com endometrioma bilateral (o chamado ovário de chocolate) e comprometimento do intestino. Fiz a vídeo laparoscopia, mais como não conhecia essa doença, acabei não fazendo a vídeo com um especialista e sem a equipe multidisciplinar, não foi tirado todos os focos, o meu intestino continua com endometriose e perdi uma parte do ovário direito. Tentei engravidar naturalmente depois da vídeo, mais não obtive sucesso. Tive que fazer uma FIV para realizar meu sonho. Nem todas as mulheres conseguem engravidar. Mais não é só dor física, no meu caso eu não sinto essa dor incapacitante, mais minha dor era psicológica. Por que, antes de saber o motivo de não conseguir engravidar, eu cheguei a escutar que não tinha fé, quando na verdade eu era portadora de endometriose profunda. More

Maria Helena Da S. Nogueira, Brazil

Eu estou a 31 anos acamada, totalmente incapacitada por endometriose, já fiz 12 cirurgias, hoje me encontro com abdômen congelado, não sendo possível fazer cirurgias e com grave obstrução aorta abdominal. As dores pélvicas são dilacerantes 24 horas do dia, atingindo vagina e anus a vida se tornou insuportável. Mesmo com morfina e outros de 4/4 horas, não tira a dor. Sem especialistas que conheçam a doença e muito menos a entenda, nos vemos lançadas de um lado a outro em busca da vida. Gastei durante 10 anos uma empresa com 20 funcionários para me curar e só piorei. Conheci a fome e a miséria humana depois disso. Doente e dependendo do favor alheio. Todos abandonaram. Hoje tenho uma filha que me cuida. A endometriose é uma doença muito maligna, devora tudo a sua volta e a vida dos seus, mata a muitas por consequencias e por suicidio. é um gravissimo problema de saúde pública. è urgente calar a dor, precisamos de politicas publicas emergencialmente, não se pode esperar mais. Somos 178 milhões de mulheres no mundo gemendo e chorando, gritando por socorro. Não vivo, sobrevivo enclausurada e torturada pela dor de parturiente dia e noite por todos estes anos. O que é um constante na vida de milhões de mulheres que como eu, estamos enterradas vivas, pagando nossos impostos e consumindo a medicina farmacêutica. Pelo amor de Deus ajude-nos a viver, ajudê-nos a gritar, ajudê-nos a aparece,r mesmo prisioneiras precisamos alçar NOSSA VOZ. Dói muito viver, SOCORRO. Gritem, eu me importo More

Maria, Norway

When I first started studying, I found it hard to make time for cooking and physical activity - I was so focused on doing well in school that I dedicated all my time to my studies. And then when I did allow myself some time off I spent it in bed, watching series and eating chocolate, or having some wine with friends. Which was great in the moment, but I quickly noticed how my condition was deteriorating. Over Christmas, I went skiing with my family and was out of breath almost as soon as we began. That’s when I realized that I had to take better care of myself. While it was hard to get back into shape, once you create a routine for yourself it becomes very simple. Now, I crave a work out when I have spent an entire day sitting at my desk. It’s a great way of letting your mind relax, and having your body be tired for once rather than your brain. It’s also one of the easiest things you can do to avoid many NCDs. Working with the GCM/NCD integrated support team, I’ve also seen how important explaining stories like mine are to help Ministers outside of health (such as urban planning, trade or transportation) understand how creating spaces to exercise or healthier food environments are also part of the story to make these healthier choices possible. I still have my daily intake of chocolate (no one’s perfect), but now I compensate with exercise and healthier food. Staying healthy doesn’t have to be difficult, you just have to figure out what works best for you! More

Jess, Australia

My grandmother has ischaemic heart disease. As a result she has had one of her legs amputated. This has caused significant physical and mental implications. Physically, the wound is taking a prolonged time to heal due to poor blood flow, and she is now bed-bound due to muscle wasting having spent over a year confined to her bed. It is unlikely that she'll ever be independent in walking again. Mentally, she is constantly sad. She cannot look at her leg stump without crying. It is proving tough for her to accept that her body will never be whole again. Unfortunately, my grandma is just one of numerous cases around the world. The prevalence of NCD's are rising day by day. Without increasing awareness and education on NCD risk factors such as healthy eating, staying physically active and not smoking or drinking, people such as my grandma will continue to suffer. Society must come together to fight NCD' so that we can live the healthiest lives possible with our loved ones. More

Ragnheiður K. J. Thoroddsen, Iceland

Three years ago I slipped on ice. The day after I was in such terrible pain so a friend called an ambulance. The doctor at the hospital said I had most likely broken a rib, twisted my ankle and got a concussion, but to be safe they would do some X-rays / MRI scans in order to see if there were any internal bleeding. For 30 years I had also experienced internal bleeding and complained about many symptoms of varying severity. For this nobody listened. I was 15 years old when my mother took me to a doctor because of my painful periods. He prescribed Naproxen and said I was just "unlucky“. Now 30 years later, I have started my fifth year on a disability pension. Prior to this I had a successful career in international business. Because of this "unlucky" internal bleeding my body has been impacted to the point that I might never be able to work full-time again. I have a 13 year old daughter. She has recently started her periods. I watch her closely. Because if she starts complaining about bad cramps, being unable to move because of pain, vomiting etc. I will make sure she will be listened to! She will not have to suffer for years because of a lack of knowledge in the healthcare system. She will not end up disabled much too soon. Neither should your daughter/ sister/ aunt/ niece! Endometriosis is as real as breaking a rib or twisting your ankle and we deserve appropriate healthcare without stigma. More

Wendy Bingham, DPT, United States

Long, heavy painful periods were not common for me (mainly in my 5th decade). My Gyn's didn't consider my concerns reproductive. I was referred to GI/Renal. Not one Gyn validated my pain with pap smears and intimacy; cyclical bowel/bladder changes with groin/back pain at menses; groin-to-knee, R. lower quadrant and lowback/sacroiliac joint pain. My complaints were dismissed as IBS, hyperactive bladder and musculoskeletal. The R. chest/upper abdomen and nerve pain in the cardiac distribution (at 17 yrs), eventually on both sides, was dismissed as asthma and side stitches. Office visits and ER trips yielded no answers and frequent gas lighting by providers. My first spontaneous pneumothorax at 30 yrs, and another 3 mths post-partum, etc. etc. Not one provider recognized the 'catamenial' characteristics of my concerns. I stopped searching for answers. Nearly bedbound, exhausted and fear it really was 'in my head', a D.O. came to my rescue. Not much of a mom, spouse, homemaker or Physical Therapist, the next two yrs finally led to dx. (~30 yrs). A multidisciplinary Endometriosis center cared for me using surgical excision. Fragmented healthcare, and lack of education about Endometriosis limited providers from identifying the single pathological process affecting many parts of my 'whole' body. It is a multi system, multi organ disease. Endometriosis as a differential diagnosis should be considered by all practitioners of adolescent-to-elderly female gendered persons. More

Silja Ástþórsdóttir, Iceland

When I was sixteen years old I fainted at the bus stop outside my high school during my first acute pain attack. Several years later I sought the help of a gynecologist because my period pain had become severe every month. He examined me and told me I was a perfect example of how the reproductive organs should be. I was just one of the unlucky ones, he told me. My symptoms were severely painful periods (I usually vomited and then fainted from the pain), painful bowel movements, pain while urinating, extreme fatigue, painful intercourse, and infertility. Finally, at the age of 28, I was diagnosed with endometriosis but my symptoms soon returned after my surgery. I am not prone to depression but during the most difficult time, I asked God every day to allow me to die. The constant pain was so agonizing that I had simply had enough. I have had 2 laparotomies, 2 laparoscopies and 3 failed IVF's. Endometriosis has affected every aspect of my life. It was not until I started doing my own research and found Iceland's topmost endometriosis specialist that I slowly started to regain my health. At age 46 I am active and live a good life but I still have certain physical issues because of endometriosis. We need more awareness about endometriosis among the public as well as health care practitioners. Women with endometriosis need a multidisciplinary approach to their health care. In Iceland, we are campaigning for the establishment of an endometriosis center. More

Srinivasa Vara Prasad Vangala, India

I lost my childhood best friend "Chinna", we had grownup together with several memories of school and later. A very kind human and my best friend. As the years passed by, he got attracted to Alcohol and Tobacco which in its later stages, took over his life to a tragic end. All my effort to him bring back to normal life were in vain, as his addiction grew to an extreme extent, where nothing could save him. As the end result, he lost his health and wealth too. He was attacked by liver and lung disease which took away his life and left his family (wife, children) in poverty. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people who live with NCDs in low- and middle-income groups, particularly India. Indeed, NCDs are expensive for patients. This ruins their families leaves them economically Vulnerable. The most worrying factor is that NCDs highlight the need for an increased commitment by countries to expedite Universal Health Coverage (UHC) – A Core Element of the SDGs. While it is also the hour of need to have collaborative partnerships among Governments, Civil Society, Private Sector and Multi National institutions to develop sustainable, scaleable solutions on high priority. There is dire need to focus on NCDs. Prevention and action via promoting healthy lifestyles so that future generations are aware of the risk of NCDs is also needed. We continue to pursue these efforts, especially our core focus on youth to build a healthy India. More

Anna, United States

My story of living with endometriosis spans 24 years. I could tell you how soul-crushing it was. The multiple doctors I saw. Time lost while navigating life with uncontrollable pain. The insult to injury of being a teen with disease. Three failed surgeries. Financial strain. Damage to my spirit. Instead, I will tell you a story of hope. It was my surgery day. In pre-op, I was prepped with my supportive husband by my side. In good spirits, I was downright bubbly. Then all 23 years of suffering came crashing down on me. Every emotion I’d ever had during my battle with endometriosis streamed down my cheeks. For 23 years I just wanted to feel better, and it felt unattainable, even as I was about to have surgery with a specialist, who was recommended to me by other patients with excellent success rates. But that is what happens when professionals make your disease feel small and unimportant- you doubt yourself , because they doubt you. That’s when my doctor swept in. He firmly told me I will be leaving my endometriosis at the hospital, forever. He did what he said he would. He performed excision and fixed me. He gave me my life back. For the first time since I was 12 years old, I am living without the worry of pain lurking around the next corner. There is hope, if we keep educating and making strides to combat endometriosis. My fight with doctors and insurance companies was just as harrowing as living with endometriosis- it doesn’t have to be this way. We can do better. More

Rachel Davis, United States

Nietzsche eloquently states: "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." My "why" is to prevent any gendered-female from going through the sheer horrors of Endo that I did! I am a shameless advocate for Endo because I am effected by this disease; and, I have met countless radiant souls whose lives have been impacted by this condition. At the age of 11 I was debilitated by menstrual cramps. At the age of 16 I had a diagnostic laparoscopy and was told no Endo was found. My pain was invalidated by the medical profession, my family, and some friends, so I continued to suffer in silence. At the age of 23 I was finally diagnosed with pathology-proven Endo; and, likely, because of a 12-year diagnostic delay, my pain had become chronic, and I suffered with other pelvic pain generators. At 25 years-old my physical body could no longer keep up with my ambitions, and I had altered success in the work environment. At 26 years-old, I had a tah-bso. Sadly, in 2017, many doctors are still taught that hysterectomy cures. This is a myth!!! I continued to suffer post-op and was diagnosed with path-proven Endo three years after my hyst with an "excision specialist." Finally, on July 15, 2016 I had my sixth surgery with Dr. Malcom Mackenzie. He listened to me, validated my pain, AND he properly and skillfully excised all Endo! Access to gold-standard care for patients is lacking because of inadequate standards of care. It is time, we, as a community put and END to Endometriosis! More

Nikki, United States

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and girls world wide. I am 1 in 10. I can remember being about 16 years old crying on the phone to a nurse at my doctors office just begging them to help me, she insisted I was lying to her and was having a miscarriage and needed to go to an emergency room. No matter how many times I told her that was not a possibility she did not believe me and hung up on me. She left me alone and confused with no help. I continued to have experience like this through the years having doctors tell me just to come back to them when I couldn't have kids because that was going to be my outcome. No one could understand the pain the amount of things I've missed in life because of "endo". People stop understanding when you just can't be somewhere because of this debilitating pain. They look at you and see someone who looks fine. If only they could have seen my insides the organs that had adhered themselves together. I went on without even a definite diagnosis until I was 28 with a laparoscopic ablation that left me in more pain than it gave me relief. Bring on another nurse to hang up on me when I didn't want Lupron shots because I did my research and I didn't want to go through menopause and bone lose at 28. A year later I finally found an excision specialist who gave my part of my life back. 1 in 10 women deserve the gold standard of care and not the run around of "band aid" fixes that often times make this disease come back at you with a vengeance. More

Tshweu Ramatobo, South Africa

My name is Tshweu Ramatobo, a 32 year old male, working full time as medical technologist (Diagnostic Laboratory). I was a heavy smoker and abused alcohol for ~13 years. In 2014, I had a vein stripping operation because i was developing DVT, I was in denial that it was caused by cigarettes. I decided to join a gym in 2014 because I was 100kg and my cholesterol was also high. Now in 2017 I am 75kg and eating clean, I've stopped smoking and abusing alcohol and I just launched my new company "Richminds Forever", to assist my society with physical activity and nutrition advice for free. I will be promoting physical awareness programs on social media, my first video will be released soon. #Peace Stay healthy. More

SUNEEL VATSYAYAN, India

Recently, I attended the cremation of Suresh (Name Changed).He died prematurely because of cardiac arrest at the age of 49 leaving behind his wife and two sons and a big loan to pay.. He had earlier lost his friend Pawan (Name Changed) because of lung cancer at the age of 39. Suresh and his friend had been drug free and physically healthy for the last 24 years and 13 years respectively. Suresh & Pawan were treated at Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation Drug Rehabilitation Center for their multiple drug use starting with marijuana in Delhi during the 1982 Asian Games. Suresh was treated 17 times prior to his last treatment in different nursing homes and NGO run programs, for his alcohol dependence. Later both were involved in running a Nada India supported peer led drug & alcohol rehabilitation center in the outskirts of Delhi and lead the ARPAN (Association of Recovering People Action Network) for quality care. Both continued to attend Narcotic Anonymous self-help groups regularly run in Delhi. These Narcotic Anonymous/Alcoholic Anonymous groups have a substantial role and have greatly contributed in the reduction of alcohol & drug demand, since these groups provide safe and supportive space for a alcohol users before and after treatment. Both of them continue to inspire me to work in the field of the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, among alcohol and drug using populations. More

Victoria Watson, Canada

A youth cancer survivor, I've always been aware of the impact NCDs have on one's wellbeing and quality of treatment required to support one's survival. While battling cancer, I had the privilege to experience quality free healthcare that was available to me given the level of resources Canada allocates to public health. This made me aware of the circumstances in low-resource settings, and the needs that cancer patients have that are going unmet, causing a disparity in surival. Given the rising priority of NCDs across the global health agenda, we as advocates have a window of opportunity to promote scaling up country capacity to manage the burden of illness and provide quality patient-centred care. The opportunity to survive NCDs should not be determined by where you live, your income, or socio-cultural circumstances. This, to me, is what NCD advocacy is about, and why we need to support disadvantaged health systems address risk factors and barriers to quality care. More

EDNA APARECIDA DE CARVALHO COSTA, Brazil

Bom dia. Bem me chamo Edna Aparecida de Carvalho Costa, sou portadora de Endometriose profunda grau 2. Meu problema digamos assim, só foi detectado após várias queixas, após vários "isso não é nada", "toma esse medicamento que passa", enfim... foi uma peregrinação seguida de uma sequência de constrangimentos. Fiz histerectomia sub total á 5 anos... depois de quase três anos o que era dor virou em lágrimas; mas foi através de uma RNM que uma Dra muito atenciosa conseguiu fechar meu diagnóstico. Hoje em dia sobrevivo como rato de laboratório, tomo um medicamento por três meses... outro por mais três meses... Fiz uma videolaparoscopia aonde foi mais completo o diagnóstico, seguido de uma lesão no intestino, intestino irritável, e a endometriose. Não sei se isso tem cura..mas acho que os médicos deveriam ter mais sensibilidade ao lidar com pessoas portadoras de endometriose pois o nosso psicológico não trabalha..assim como ficamos limitadas a realizar algumas tarefas... precisamos de apoio... Então peço que sejam esclarecidos o maior numero de pessoas possíveis, já que tentamos fazer isso com nossos amigos e familiares... mas eles ainda relutam em acreditar que a dor transpassa a alma. Há dias que nossa feminilidade se abate. Podemos até perder a nossa família. São nos grupos de apoio que nos identificamos. Por favor só precisamos de mais ajuda e respeito. More

Kahli, Australia

Since I started having periods at age 15, no two have been the same. The only common factor is severe pain. Sometimes it happens a week in advance, sometimes an hour, but it is always excruciating. Until two months ago, I didn't have a diagnosis - but now I have an answer. Prior to my diagnosis and the nature of my pain, it was difficult for me to work at all when it was at its worst. The only relief is over the counter migraine medication that puts me straight to sleep, if it works fast enough. Otherwise, I will be nauseous, feverish, vomiting and crying from the cramps and sever back pain. I have lost jobs, income, friends, missed out of social obligations, shows, holidays - you name it. Even now my boss has suggested I resign because I am "too unreliable", despite keeping them abreast of my condition. It is devastating and infuriating to be told this when I am trying so hard to figure out what is wrong with me. Dealing with chronic pain is perpetually difficult and the only people who truly understand are others who experience chronic pain. People may say they understand, until your pain interferes with them, then all sincerity and softness disappears. You are suddenly a burden. The shame and guilt is so heavy and it is a vicious cycle that impacts so heavily on your self-esteem. The only thing you can be sure of is that you will be in pain. Bleak, undoubtedly but I believe this statement to be true for me. More

Daniela de Souza Woitezak, Brazil

Eu sou portadora de endometriose, não é um câncer, mais te mata aos poucos. A minha endometriose é muito agressiva, em dezembro de 2011 decidi parar de tomar anticoncepcional para poder engravidar, começaram ai cólicas muito fortes. Minhas cólicas se tornaram insuportáveis. Todo mês era um sofrimento, além das cólicas menstruais, tinha também cólicas intestinais fortíssimas, a dor era uma mistura de prisão de ventre com diarreia. A dor era tão forte que chegava a ter crises de choro, tinha enjoo, vomitava, tinha enxaqueca e não queria conversar e nem ver ninguém. Procurei o primeiro profissional, como eu queria engravidar e tinha todos estes sintomas, o médico, mandou, "eu tratar de engravidar", assim era o meio natural de combater a endometriose. Passei por vários profissionais que tratavam minha dor como sendo "cólica" fiz minha primeira cirurgia aberta com diagnóstico de endometriose profunda e severa em março de 2013. Perdi uma parte do reto, ovário esquerdo e fiquei com lesões na bexiga. No ano de 2016 realizei a segunda cirurgia, retirei a trompa direita, ovário direito e ainda tiveram que mexer no meu intestino, houve uma lesão. Tenho um endometrioma de 1,1 cm no restinho de massa que sobrou do ovário direito. Tenho controlado a doença com anticoncepcional contínuo que me coloca em pré menopausa. É horrível, porém não tenho dor. Me chamo Daniela de Souza Woitezak tenho 32 anos, sou Assistente Social, casada e um filho de 16 anos (fruto de outro relacionamento). More

nicole, United States

I am an endometriosis advocate in New England, an endometriosis warrior, and a mother of a 14 year old daughter who was also diagnosed with endometriosis. Endometriosis afflicts 1 in 10 women and girls. The impact endometriosis has had on my life and that of my child's has been devastating. I have lost a spouse, friends, family, and jobs due to the inability to keep up due to the painful symptoms of endometriosis . My 14 year old daughter, who also suffers has lost time in school, has lost friends, and self-esteem dealing with the pain endometriosis causes. I have spent the last 2 years of my life advocating for better care for women and girls like myself and my child across New England and across the globe. I have spent thousands of my own dollars organizing events (some CME accredited) to create awareness within the medical community about endometriosis, the changes in the treatment paradigm (physicians are still practicing from a 1920 standard of care related to endometriosis) , and have traveled the globe advocating and learning all I can about the disease. I stand today with my sisters, shoulder to shoulder, to demand better care from the organizations such as A.C.O.G. that decide our standard of care. Endometriosis has been said to not be a disease of morbidity. I disagree. I stand with the families of the many sisters who have taken their lives due to the every day, all day, and night debilitating pain they have endured. Surely, with 1 in 10 we can do better. More

Melissa, United States

I have endometriosis. I am one of 180 million women worldwide with this disease. It is unacceptable that women like me and our mothers, sisters, partners, family, and friends continue to suffer without being taken seriously. We will no longer be ignored or told this disease is all in our heads. Endo is a very real and devastating disease in which the symptoms and numerous co-morbidities are impacting lives in irreparable ways. The standards of care must be changed globally--on average it takes 10 years and numerous doctors to be diagnosed. Our mental and physical health is severely impacted. We face infertility. We face chronic pain, digestive issues, lung issues, bladder issues, problems with mobility. We receive sub par medical care. The costs to families and societies are staggering. Often the treatments can be just as debilitating as the disease itself, and the accepted and current treatments only manage symptoms without curing the disease. Some turn to suicide when the pain becomes too much. We are crying out for help from doctors and governments to help us fund research and to better treat this disease so future generations of women do not have to suffer. Endometriosis is not just a woman's disease--it is a family and societal disease. If you have endo, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You MATTER. You are VALUABLE. And you deserve BETTER CARE. More

Liliana, Brazil

My name is Liliana , I’m from Brasilia, Brazil , 25 years spent feeling severe abdominal and pelvic pain and was very difficult to have the diagnosis of Endometriosis. Endometriosis a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterine cavity is found outside the uterus putting the woman in situations that preclude us from working doing physical activities, domestic or any effort because the pain is strong and so disabling it directly influences quality of life and social coexistence. I’ve had three surgeries the last year. Technically my treatment is funded by the Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS , but the reality is not always so. We don’t have public hospital coverage in the case of emergency. Many women are years in the waiting queue in the health system to answer a query with specialist or to get surgery. All treatment and medication has a high cost, so much so, that not all are able to proceed with treatment. Our voices need to be heard and we must have the treatment urgency and quality we deserve from our health systems. More

anonymous, Brazil

I am 36 years old and I have a disease that nobody recognizes in Brazil. People say I do not feel pain. That this is the result of my imagination. I have pains that sometimes I think my uterus will jump from me. I have a wound that is not exposed and for this reason, people insist on not believing. I wanted to have a child, but I do not know if I will. The doctors in Brazil are not prepared. They do not understand their patients. We have a government that does not understand that our cramps are crippling. Our costs with this disease is enormous. I spend more than I earn every month. Medical experts take advantage and charge over-invoiced queries. I desire to live without pain and desire the recognition of this disease. More

LaTasha neal, United States

I have stage 4 endo, fibroids, and complex and simple ovarian cysts. I was diagnosed in 2010 but have been suffering since I was 16. I am now 30! I had 3 laparoscopies, which didn't do anything but make my condition worse. I suffer from crippling pains 3wks out of a month and some depression also. It's so hard for me to get proper treatment because of insurance reasons. A lot of companies do not support excision for treatment and I cannot afford it out of pocket. Also, a lot of doctors are uneducated on endometriosis so my questions and concerns are barely met with knowledgeable information for me to better my health. I wish the awareness was on a bigger scale. I have problems getting pregnant because of this silent illness and don't have any children , which is the one thing I want in this whole wide world. To be a MOM. I wish things would change and a cure is found. To many women and young girls suffer from this for it to not be a BIG DEAL! We are ENDOWARRIORS!!! More

Holly Sanneman, United States

I suffered from endometriosis with increasing intensity for about 18 years. I had an effective wide excision surgical procedure and made other changes that are allowing me to feel betters or now (and hopefully forever... But I do not know), but not everyone is as lucky as I. My aunt had endo and died in her fifties. Knowing what I know now, I think a lot of what she did to cope with her pain is what killed her. I do believe endo killed her indirectly. It did not choke out her lungs, but she had so many health problems because of it and needed medications and coping mechanisms... We endo patients, we are led to believe that we are weak and we are crazy. Neither of these are true. I have three sons now (thank God endo did not steal my fertility) and I'm thankful I don't have a daughter to pass this along to. No one deserves to be feeling literally shredded and burned alive as she's told she's insane. No one deserves torture. More

Caroline, United States

I have struggled with excruciating pain from this disease since I can remember. I've dealt with the crippling pain, vomiting, fatigue, sleepless nights, depression, cold sweats, hot flashes... etc. The pain can be so unbearable that you almost pass out... and sometimes you do. I don't feel like I've had quality of life. I can't make plans! I never know when I'll have a flare up. I never know when I'll have uterus contractions so bad that I'm paralyzed by the pain. I've had to leave jobs because I could no longer force myself to work through the pain. I've had doctors upon doctors misdiagnose me. I just had my second surgery in a year and still don't feel complete relief from the pain. I can't have a child because of this horrible disease. It's taken so much joy from me. It's not only affected me though. It has affected my husband's life, my mother's life, my grandma's life, nieces and nephews. It can ruin intimacy. My mother has had to miss work for my surgeries, leave work to take me to the hospital. My nieces and nephews don't always have an aunt that can run around with them. The pain is horrific. This is a chronic disease! This disease is debilitating and it's taking the quality of life from so many. More

anonymous, United States

I have endometriosis. My story is not uncommon. Delays in diagnosis have caused the disease to run rampant. I should have been diagnosed when I was showing advanced symptoms at 17. I wasn't diagnosed until I was 24. I had emergency surgery to remove a 9cm cyst from my left ovary that had displaced my uterus. My symptoms have only worsened and what little medical or surgical intervention exists leaves much to be desired. I struggle to function most days. I'm on a restricted diet, regularly visit multiple specialist, and will be beginning a new form of physical therapy that my insurance won't cover so I have to pay out of pocket. This disease has halted my pursuit of higher education and keeps me struggling to survive at the poverty line because I can't work for more than a year at a time. Pain medication is almost impossible to access. Few doctors have shown any sign of compassionate care or willingness to even believe my pain and daily struggle. It's exhausting. It hurts me, my family and everyone around me who has to watch me struggle. Some days I wish I was dead. More

clarissa, Brazil

I have an invisible illness in Brazil. Usually I have to explain many times what endometriosis is...Very few people know the reality. Sometimes I have eyes of distrust, people can´t see the disease…I am in the stage they call chronic. So I had experienced days that I could not walk, climb stairs, carry weight or do housework. I have had many nights of insomnia because of pain. Sitting is a big challenge for me. I am doing an expensive treatment for endometriosis with Gestrinona, and because our disease is not considered chronic by law in Brazil we had many issues. Endo means expend lots of money with many professionals without any support from the government. Chronic diseases here have less taxes, but in Brazil we don’t have a specific law considering Endometriosis as a chronic disease. Please help us! We have endo advocates around the world because the knowledge about endo is poor. Actually I'm a volunteer helping people with endo through my Facebook page (avidacomoelaéendooficial). More

Brandi CK LaPerle, Canada

I have endometriosis. I struggled for over 20 years before diagnosis and have undergone every surgery and treatment available. I'm now permanently disabled struggling with PTSD fighting each day to convince myself it's worth staying alive. I've hurt everyone around me with this disease and have let people down in ways that hurt to the core. It's a battle to shower, cook, clothe and take care of myself. I'm 35 years old and many people now believe I fake being sick at all because they're tired of it. I miss being able to jog every day and find social situations terrifying. I am not my disease but it affects every part of me. I used to speak out of my experiences to help others and I cry myself to sleep each night wishing I won't wake up because nothing makes the pain go away. The emotional scars bleed as bright as the physical. it's an isolating disease that makes me feel so lonely even though millions of others are also affected. How can such a common devastating expensive disease get so little attention or compassion? "At least it's not cancer" as if that's a consolation. I'm exhausted to the point of tears because it never ends. There's no break in suffering and no gold medal for having it the hardest. Someone always has it worse. No girl should have to grow up to walk a day in my shoes. Each day a piece of me is gone I will never get back. Two year wait list for access to the pain clinic. Wait listed for surgery. wait wait wait. I'm only someone I used to know. More

Downneta Espino, United States

I am a 39 year old mother of two and a wife I am also 1 of 176 million women who suffer from Endometriosis. Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. I have suffered in silence for close to 30 years. Endometriosis needs more awareness in the medical community as well socially. Endometriosis affects 1-10 women worldwide and there are only two treatments: birth control and Lupron. There is no cure. Due to this debilitating disease I can no longer have children and that's not my choice. After struggling for 11 and a half years I had two children. After my last pregnancy I became too sick to work and had to make the hardest choice of my life - that was to get a hystrectomy. After that major surgery I had 3 other for endometriosis and am still suffering. I have seen over 35 doctors and 1 specialist. I am not the only one suffering, so is my family. We need more awareness and help from others. Thank you for listing to my story and thank you for your time. More

Odille Bernad, United States

I have been diagnosed with Thoracic Endometriosis and Catamenial Pneumothorax. What that means is that my right lung collapses once a month around the time of my period, causing unspeakable pain and respiratory problems, not to mention anxiety and depression. I had 2 surgeries on my lung within 2 months of each other, pleurodesis the first time and pleurectomy the second. Even so, a year and a half later I am still having the symptoms even though I am on HRT with Mirena IUD and Lupron Depon shots once a month. To date I have not found a pulmonary physician who knows how to treat this disease or have the willingness to try. Endometriosis being a "women's disease" does not get the appropriate attention or research funding. Why try to improve the health and quality of life of 176 million women in the world when we can dedicate energy and resources on something like erectile dysfunction? Am I bitter? You bet your ass I am. But I am also willing to participate in any kind of research or trials that will help improve the health condition of other women like me. More

Dr Oleg Chestnov, Switzerland

It may surprise you that I would say this, but everyone is affected in some way by NCDs. In 2017, they remain responsible for 70% of all global deaths and countless years of morbidity. In fact, it would be challenging to find an individual on this earth untouched by NCDs, whether personally or professionally. However, there is so much we have achieved in this space to be proud of. The NCDs&Me campaign and much of the work I have done myself at the World Health Organization is based on the premise that everyone, no matter where they are born, should have the right to live a productive life beyond the age of 70 years, without the unnecessary suffering or premature death that can result from NCDs. Many of us still can’t achieve this, but the promising future I see, is inspired by the sheer numbers of people working at all levels of society, within and beyond health, to turn this tide. The prevention and management of risk factors remains crucial to this process. On this level, many of our existing successes lie with the countries who have taken action and equipped themselves to implement change. The movement to #BeatNCDs will be most successful if we view it as a global and inclusive movement where leaders, particularly Heads of State, actively choose to resource and enable a healthy lifestyle for all those in their care. This of course, must be supported by active citizens who, where possible and when empowered to do so, are excited to choose the same path. More

Ta Van Phu, Vietnam

I am a volunteer for the PATH/Novartis Foundation Communities for Healthy Hearts (CH2) project in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – where 1 in 4 of adults have hypertension but only 50% of them know they have this condition. As a retired military medic, I was already giving health advice to my neighbors so I was happy to work with CH2. Now I offer free blood pressure checks, referrals and support for people in my community. I find lots of people still don’t understand hypertension and are surprised when I tell them they have high blood pressure. When this happens, I refer them to a clinic or hospital but many are reluctant - they are afraid and don’t want to take medicine for the rest of their lives. I work hard to convince them to go to hospital, and eventually they do follow my advice. So far, I’ve screened over 400 people, and around 75 had high blood pressure. I made sure all of them sought further diagnosis, and now I’m helping them to adhere to treatment and live healthier lives. Coming to me for a blood pressure check is quick and free – very easy for low income households in Ho Chi Minh City. Because people trust me, I can support them. I think that to really tackle hypertension and other chronic NCDs, diagnosis and care mechanisms need to be integrated into the support systems that already exist in the community. Like free checks with local volunteers like me, services need to fit in with people’s lives. I’m looking forward to helping more and more people in my community! More

Jeff Sturchio, United States

Poverty should not mean poor health, nor should ill health lead to poverty. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people who live with NCDs in low- and middle-income countries. Indeed, NCDs are a costly proposition not only for patients and their families, but also for health systems. NCDs have a direct impact on economic development. Their impact is felt most among people during their prime working years. Health Ministries constantly balance the competing demands of emerging health threats, maternal and child health, infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS with the growing burden of NCDs. The worrying trajectory of NCDs reinforces the need for an increased commitment by countries to advancing universal health coverage (UHC) – a central element of SDG 3 and an important piece of the global response to this puzzle. At its core, UHC provides for a standard package of prevention, treatment and care for all citizens, while also protecting people from catastrophic financial ruin resulting from high-out-of-pocket health care costs. While each country must chart its own path to achieve UHC, realizing this goal calls for multisectoral collaboration and coordination. So, too, does the challenge of NCDs necessitate partnerships among countries, civil society, the private sector and multilateral institutions to develop sustainable, scalable solutions to address chronic disease. We need to work together to help countries attain UHC and dramatically reduce the burden of NCDs globally. More

Weronika, Poland

I have type 1 diabetes since the age of 4. I've started writing the blog about diabetes bluesugarcube.blogspot.com in 2013 when I had a diabetes burnout and I wanted to share my story with other people to help myself during this difficult time. Since that time I became an active diabetes blogger, diabetes educator and diabetes advocate on the international level. I'm using my skills and knowledge to raise awareness and educate about diabetes. Many times I was a speaker at diabetes events, participant or organizer of diabetes campaigns and author of diabetes articles and stories. I want to make a bigger change for people with diabetes around the world because all of us deserve to have an access to essential medicines and medical devices. More

ABASSI A. MUSSA, Tanzania

I had enough of being overweight (I weighed 130 kg on Dec 2016) which caused me snoring and episodes of sleep apnea. I was sleeping even during writing, speaking, reading etc, feeling fatigued, effortful (obstructed) respiration. Many people were telling me to have my weight reduced and because I am a health professional, I did not listen. My weight became higher and higher with binge eating and no physical activity. I, was unfortunately, teaching clinical students and teaching sessions on NCDs. I taught them but it didn't work on me. Everyone was telling me in a stigmatising way to lose weight. Then one day I met an elective student who came to our facility for his elective. He with his fellow were under my supervision and they became my close friend. One day he inspired me to lose my weight as part of descelerating the coming complications of obesity and overweight. He started with diet advice for three days then went to physical exercises. The patient way he was coaching, I discovered that he was talking to my brain and not my physical body. A few weeks later they left back to their country, telling me if it helps you keep doing it. I decided to start shedding my weight effectively from December 2016 and up to date 12 July 2017, I have lost over 20kg with only dietary restrictions and physical activity. My bad symptoms as above are gone. I have built a habit of moderating my life style and promote more people to change their life styles too. More

Chantelle Fynn, Canada

When I began interning with the Global Coordination Mechanism (GCM) my knowledge on noncommunicable diseases (NCD) was quite limited. I knew the basics, such as what they were and the risk factors but I had never delved deeper than the surface. During my time here, I have learnt a lot more about NCDs and it has really broadened my perspectives. I have been lucky enough to sit in on meetings with member states, and get a first-hand view on how NCDs are affecting their country. They spoke with passion and a strong desire to reduce the prevalence of NCDs in their communities. Watching how fervent they were about reducing NCDs was inspiring and resonated deeply with me. It only took a few days of interning with the GCM/NCD for me to understand its importance. Observing how passionate the whole cluster was about NCDs and helping member states was an amazing experience I wish everyone could take. I live in a small province in Canada where the prevalence of chronic diseases is quite high. With an increasing rate of smoking and 32.7% of the population with diabetes, I think relaying what I’ve learnt on NCD prevention is my next step. Noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases affect everyone no matter their social status, age or race. Therefore, I believe that disseminating this information to others in my community is crucial. Helping others become as passionate for NCD prevention as the GCM is a goal I hope to achieve. More

Dr. Pandup Tshering, Bhutan

The burden of NCDs and its impact on the economy and the health system is well understood. Resolutions have been passed; action plans and strategies have been developed; now it is time to implement them before the impact of the burden becomes irreversible. NCDs are preventable and the risk factors are identified and focus should be on primary preventions through innovative methods delivered through multi-sectoral approach. We should also not forget those who are afflicted by NCDs, services should be provided to them in an equitable manner. Medicines, diagnostic and rehabilitative services should be made affordable, accessible and available to them. Government, non- governmental organizations and International organizations should join hands and work towards the achieving the global targets of bringing down the morbidity and mortality due to NCDs. More

Yifan ZHU, China

One of the most unique features of noncommunicable diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases or even mental health is its close association with social environments, community development and personal life paths. Thus, it is a health issue but it is much broader than health itself. Tackling noncommunicable diseases is never the sole responsibility of individuals, but also the responsibility of national/local government to commit to. Promoting universal health coverage, reducing illiteracy of citizens, ensuring transparency of nutrition information of food/beverages, increasing health awareness/regulation among policy makers, city designers, private sectors are unquestionably the approaches needed to realize progress in fighting NCDs. As one of the MD students in China, I've witness too many regrets from inpatients that haven't paid attention to poor health status or unhealthy lifestyles which have caused fatal consequences. Cultivating good habits in your life means you have to make a change and resist part of pleasure from life, which is actually not an easy move. But believe me, once you experience that deep regret, you will know that sacrifice is completely worth it. More

Marie Kubitza, France

I am in High School and I realize that young people my age, or even younger, are very affected by NCDs because of all the new technologies and changes in our diet. They move less, they are inactive and spend a lot of time in front of their smartphone or computer. So, it is necessary to encourage this generation to go out and do sports and extracurricular activity. If you stay inside all the time, that little cake or biscuit is very hard to resist. But did you know that many biscuits and cakes, apart from being full of hidden sugars and fats, are also made with palm oil? Palm oil is not only bad for your health but also for the environment. The terrible practices by farmers who produce palm oil mean that it is killing our people, but also our planet. I want to see more young people able to understand this and make healthier choices, but I also want to see leaders understanding it and making things like palm oil forbidden. More

Brandon Wood, United States

From birth until my early twenties, I suffered from severe asthma. I have been hospitalized over sixty times as a result of severe asthma episodes. Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland became my second home. The fall and spring seasons were the worst times of the year for me. I often missed group activities, couldn't play outside nor could I join in any school or recreational sports. During the spring of 2006, after almost ten years without any asthma- related hospital visits, I was admitted into the ICU after suffering from a near-death asthma episode. I was sedated and placed on a ventilator for days. After this horrifying experience, I vowed to never let asthma control or take my life. I later played high school football, recreational tennis and participated in many other activities in the upcoming years. I graduated college without only minor episodes. Now at 27 with my own apartment, working full-time and enrolled in graduate school full-time, I have gone a whole year with only taking my inhaler twice. I have even trained in Mixed Martial Arts for a year without any interruption. I've made many new friends, traveled overseas on vacation and completed missionary work in Honduras. Although I am not cured of asthma, I am no longer suffering from asthma. More

Professor Wagida Anwar, Egypt

I have worked for many years and across many fields in the scientific and political spheres, with a focus on NCDs. When I moved to environmental pollution and its effect on health, in particular cancer, I realized that I was never going to be able to stick to just one field. I am very interested in the relationship between infection and cancer especially as it relates to the liver, bladder and hepatitis. A Health System needs a lot of research to function. You need to develop both research and implementation synergies. A holistic approach to Health Literacy involves top-down and bottom-up. You must talk to researchers, decision makers, and community to get a fuller picture. Women’s health requires a holistic approach also. We used to think it was just about family planning, then it became about reproductive health and now I hope we are viewing it as a common goal to improve her life in general. To do this we must talk to the whole family unit. This holism and engagement of many players is essential for NCD prevention and control. Even working individually you must look outward. This also helps people to switch from critiquing to collaborating on implementation – a key to moving forward. Most of our problems are due to misunderstanding, even between brothers. If someone is criticizing me I say, “Okay, let’s start together.” If we practice this direct contact and remove barriers between each other, our movement to beat NCDs and improve health will be much more powerful. More

Maik Dünnbier, Germany

When I was ten years old, my grandma died from lung cancer. I only have a few precious memories with her growing up. I never met my grandpa from the other side of the family. In my late teens, he too, passed away too early. He died from alcoholic liver cirrhosis. NCDs and their risk factors are a global epidemic. But they are also deeply personal, wreaking havoc and causing pain in families. I'm working for evidence-based alcohol policy measures in particular, and for NCDs prevention and control in general because I would like grandkids to be able to grow up with their grandparents, their wisdom, kindness and love. I know I've been missing that as I tried to find my way in life. More

Thomas Cueni, Switzerland

I’m a baby-boomer, so heart, cancer and other chronic diseases called NCDs are not just part of my job, they're a fact of everyday life: for me, my family and friends. I’m lucky, today I feel healthier than I ever did. Statistics show I’m blessed to live in Switzerland, where the average life expectancy is 82. Contrast this with Lesotho, where the average man lives only to their 40th birthday. This is tragic and brings home the health inequalities and the tremendous double-burden NCDs combined with infectious diseases gives developing countries. Social factors such as urbanization, rising incomes, changes in diet and lifestyle and improved life expectancy have all contributed to an increasing incidence of NCDs. The World Economic Forum identified NCDs as one of the greatest threats to the global economy. The task at hand is colossal. Yes there are medicines, but the task at hand needs governments, NGOs, business to work together, and the WHO is leading in bringing all those involved together. Let us not forget that nearly half of chronic diseases are preventable. Speaking for myself, part of the solution starts at home: healthy eating, exercise, no smoking and, if you wish, drinking with moderation. Accepting that changing behaviours is one of the most difficult challenges in public health, it is obvious that more needs to be done to make health systems able to cope with the pandemics of NCDs. This requires ever more public-private partnerships and working together. More

Sophie Genay-Diliautas, France

I was with her at the hospital when the doctor told my best friend she would never recover from her cancer. She died several months later. It was 13 years ago but it is still like it was just yesterday. Working to promote patients' dignity and accompany them through palliative care and spiritual care is essential to our human condition. Together, we are stronger to #beatNCDs. More

Lucy Westerman, Australia

I was 10 years old when my mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer & 13 when she died. Since cancer deprived me of her health, mind & love, other beloved family members have died prematurely from lung, skin & bowel cancers, while other family & friends live with the fall-out & challenges, sometimes debilitating, of chronic cardiovascular & mental illnesses, including stroke & depression. They & my children inspire my resolve to do all I can to reduce the burden of NCDs everywhere for everyone, part of my contribution to making the world a healthier, happier, more sustainable place. More

Jordan Jarvis, United States

NCDs and their impacts have been omnipresent throughout my life: from losing a friend to leukemia at age 23, to feeling a lack of control over my own health due to unavoidable second hand smoke around me in Germany growing up, to taking care of grandparents throughout major heart conditions and cancer, to working closely with children who served as caregivers to sick parents, to having a best friend with type 1 diabetes, and to struggling with my own debilitating depression. These experiences have made me restless and have inspired me to action. From studying cancer biology to contribute to a cure for leukemia, to advocating against cigarette sales on my undergraduate campus, to working to improve NCD care through stronger health systems in East Africa, to organizing a global network of young professionals and students to take action on NCD issues in their communities (called the Young Professionals Chronic Disease Network), I believe that our common challenges across the globe must now unite us to put NCD solutions into action. And we must build and organize for a stronger united movement on NCDs to make sure our issues are heard. NCDs inflict and are perpetuated by poverty. Thus, if we truly want to achieve social and economic justice, we must smash the status quo on NCDs. This means constantly pushing our governments--locally and nationally, as well as corporations who have a stake in products that promote and treat NCDs, to do break out of business as usual. More

S Kanitsorn, Thailand

NCDs are a multisectoral issue requiring a multisectoral approach, a will of one's own and an all-in commitment. More

Isabel Jimenez, Switzerland

I came to share my story because I'm frustrated. My frustration is twofold. It’s cheaper lots of times to buy unhealthy food than healthy food. The other is that it’s much easier to buy unhealthy food because the advertisements are unreliable they target vulnerable populations like mothers who don’t have time to prepare food or children. The whole food industry seems like it’s focused on making you a worker who doesn’t have much time to make an informed decision. Buy the cheapest, fastest, easiest food and drink possible in the most beautiful package (that is also harmful to the environment) - it seems there’s no will to change that. I would like to see responsible advertisements from food and beverage industries and governance via public institutions to control that. More

Marie Golebiowska, Poland

It's time to be concerned about NCDs. That's why we are here. We want more to be happening. We know we must implement more and prevent even more than that. More

Karma Lhazeen, Bhutan

NCDs can drain one physically, emotionally, and economically---Primary prevention is the answer. More

Ramizi Shohani, Iraq

Before the war between Iraq and Iran, health system is well functioning. But after the war, it was badly influenced by reduction of input to health sector. The old population are affected by this situation, leading to the risen of death from NCD. Since five years ago, our government have launched many programs to fix this problem. Personally, I was diagnosed of diabetes 6 years ago, but it was well controlled by medicine and physical exercises. More

Khezia Asamoah, United Kingdom

With the challenge of aging society, health care system must change their priority from communicable disease to NCDs. When I was in the hospital in Ghana, almost every patient suffer from hypertension or diabetes. More

Vibhu Gharg, India

Nowadays, NCD is killing more people than communicable disease. To prevent NCD, people just need to change their daily habits. Many countries have taken NCD as priority issue. Though medical treatment is important, but prevention of disease is what we must enforce. People should be aware of food industry and advertisement. Social awareness and mobilization should be promoted. More

Danielle Guy, United Kingdom

NCDs are the main cause of death among the population, which is a prevalent issue among the society. One friend of mine, which is the same age as me, died from cancer. My grandmother suffers from diabetes. More

Philipe Damie, France

You are in front of a new epidemic situation and we have to build together in a multisectoral and interministerial approach, a strategy against NCDs. I hope to see a lot of awareness about NCDs and a lot of prevention at local, national, regional and global level. More

The Hon. Dr Appiah-Kubi, Ghana

Ghanaians can and should reduce their intake of salt, sugar and fatty foods so as to reverse the rising trend of NCDs. More

Dr Bhola Ram Shrestha, Nepal

NCDs are important and I am one of the focal points for NCDs in Nepal's Ministry of Health. I look after the NCD programs in Nepal. I am proud. We are planning to provide these services for early detection and treatment from all outlets possible. We are using yoga and other lifestyle changes with traditional medicines and medical systems - all together to Beat NCDs. More

Abdoulie Mam Njie, Gambia

If you see the realities of people with NCDs from poor areas, you will concern it. Though I have no data, developing countries are lacking of expertise, essential drugs, Primary Health Care. It is related to what people are doing every day, what they eat. What they are allowed. Education is important - that, people have to know. More

Dr T Sathiyamoorthy, Sri Lanka

To control NCDs is deeply important because future life depends on it. One thing is illness, another is management and prevention. My family will lose me if I have some disease. Without family the whole community will lose. Communities have spent on me because of my education and opportunities, if I go early, I’m lost to the world and that spending is wasted. More

Somruethai Supungul, Thailand

We face many diseases affecting people and it’s the budget which is the biggest problem. More

Bernard Kadasia, Switzerland

I think the first line of any Health System should be working with individuals and the community - not as targets or users, but as its fundamental drivers. This must be supported by good policy and regulation as well as Health Literacy and Education, because after these are in place you have most of the work being done by the greatest number, instead of just an overstretched Health Workforce. The Health Workforce should only be our second step. We are our first. More

Akiko Nakayama, Japan

NCDs are the most underrepresented area of health, yet they impact most people in our world. It takes a long time to show effective results from implementation but it’s definitely worth the fight and the effort towards doing these things. This is key to our global progress. I hope it can help prevent more NCDs in the future. More

Nangay Dawa, Bhutan

The NCDs situation in Bhutan is significant. Bhutan population is more than 7 lacks. We are situated between India and China. Our people are 99% Buddhist. This means our food habits involve a lot of rice, wheat, meat, vegetables and a little fruit. Common NCD problems include: hypertension, diabetes, cancer, chronic pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease. A number of programs have been initiated by the Ministry of Health in the Bhutan Gov’t to address this problem including an awareness program, advocacy at the highest level, screening activities, alcohol regulation, tobacco legislation and observing global awareness days related to NCDs. More

The Hon. Johnson Toe Chea, Liberia

NCDs are a slow and silent killer. People globally should take stronger action to defeat NCDs. My Dad, who was a strong inspiration of mine had diabetes. He had a urinary obstruction which required surgery and sadly he didn’t survive. It was truly touching for me and I take many precautions now. I am keeping my family closely monitored to keep track. They cannot end up as my Dad did. In my country we have a Legislative Forum which plays a key role in raising awareness and advocacy for NCDs. More

Alena Matzke, Switzerland

Every country in the world is affected by the slow motion disaster that is NCDs – we are in this together as a global community to work with each other, to support all countries, and to take effective actions to reverse their devastating trajectory. More

Masha DeVoe, United States

I work in international policy and advocacy on the health, rights, and wellbeing of girls and women. In both my professional and personal experience, an issue that is vastly overlooked, though I know it affects swaths of women all over the world, is mental illness. Mental illness is stigmatized nearly everywhere -- people often are embarrassed by it, judged for it, and made to feel weak because of it. In many settings, services for mental illness are scarcely available. To me, living with a mental illness is no different than living with any other NCD, in that there should not be any shame associated with it and treatment should be accessible, affordable, and of quality. Suicide is a major cause of death -- particularly among adolescents. We have to do the work. This is an issue that must be de-stigmatized -- people's lives do depend on it. Mental illness deserves a larger platform in global development work, because that truth is that too many people are suffering in silence with no relief in sight. And I am ready to do my part as an advocate. Who's with me? More

Sarah, Indonesia

I took personal concern on NCDs as it has affected my personal life since I was a teenager. Some form of cancer took my mom when I was 17 and then heart failure took my dad 10 years later, on the same year when I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was diagnosed solely based on my lab results during my admission to the ER because I haven't experiencing any of the clinical symptoms. For someone who live in a developing country, I have personally experienced the economic burden to receive NCDs treatment, whether it is a non-invasive or invasive treatment, or even clinical management, especially due to the nature of most NCDs that require a long term treatment. It is quite stressful especially if some of your required medications are not covered under the national health insurance scheme even though you are entitled for the NHI. Therefore, to maintain my blood sugar and my weight, I try modify my lifestyle. I consume less sugar and salt. I walk more, I use the stairs more often, and I manage my stress. More

Julian Low, Singapore

My Grandfather passed on from a heart attack at an age of 60. The primary culprit was hypertension and excessive salt intake. Food is so very important in determining our health. As such, i wish to emphasise to everyone! That the food we eat will matter so much, so it is worth the investment!!! More

Dr Ahmed E. Ogwell OUMA, Kenya

Having lost both my parents and sister to cancer, I assure you NCDs is closer to home than you will ever think. Stay safe, prevent NCDs today! More

Lucy, Australia

I am a granddaughter to a man taken too soon from Cardiovascular disease. A carer to patients struggling with diet and exercise. A consumer exposed to our ever-growing obesogenic environment and a citizen who sees not a problem but an opportunity. We know that NCDs transcend all levels of development causing 38 million deaths annually. Health risk factors including poor diet, inadequate physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use, complicated by underlying social determinants are major contributors to this burden worldwide. As a health professional NCDs feature heavily among patients I see. While offering health advice, understanding the home & social environment has become crucial to address these factors and improve health related behaviours. Yet the doctor’s office is but one side of this story. Changing our environment to facilitate behaviour change is the real challenge before us. We are in the most innovative period of technology, design, media, philanthropy and global connectedness the world has ever seen. Solutions must recognise the who, what, where and why behind health risk factors & our environment if we wish to succeed. Innovation is boundless when we collaborate across industries and generations and sharing our stories is just the lever to do so. Lets change the narrative on NCDs by accessing our collective potential. More

Justine Thomson, Australia

Prior to starting medical school I worked as a high school teacher at a large comprehensive high school in a rural town in Northern NSW. Throughout my time teaching I saw first hand how the habits formed in youth followed young people into their adult lives. For many students they were able to develop healthy lifestyles with good dietary choices, physical activity and smart drug and alcohol choices, for many others their family background and external influences impacted heavily on the choices they made. Many students started smoking at young ages and found it very difficult to stop. Others even at young ages made irresponsible alcohol choices and commenced many years of abusive alcohol use and binge drinking. Still others failed to find physical activities that they enjoyed and struggled to stay healthy and well. For many of these students the impact of their family and cultural backgrounds dictated the choices they made in life. Throughout the town where I worked obesity levels were high and the levels of diabetes, heart disease and cancer were always rising. For many of these teenagers this is their future and too often many of their parents were sick or hospitalised for non communicable diseases based on their own lifelong patterns. I truly believing changing the narrative is within each of our powers, and that the younger we engage people in healthy lifestyle choices - through a multisectorial approach - the better the future of NCDs will appear. More

Ronayi BAYRAM, Cyprus

I have Type-1 Diabetes since 7 years ago. I’m 22-year-old. It used to be hard to live with it but nowadays, I know what to do. It also helps us to live healthy because you have to eat healthy also your family members get used to it. It is important to always do sports to stay okay. You have to do some good things otherwise the disease got you badly. I realised that point, and from that time, I live perfectly. More

Omnia Mahmoud, Egypt

In International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations Egypt, we have not given up on the devastating facts about tobacco consumption that sadly we see our governments are not prioritizing in their agendas. We established a civil work society against tobacco consumption and we are now one of the leading NGOs in the country combating tobacco with measurable impact that the WHO Country Office is recognizing. We just wanted to say it’s best when you dedicate your time to the service of others. More

Stefan Swartling Peterson, Sweden

NCDs, unfortunately, are affecting children and adolescent directly and indirectly. However the next generation is, fortunately the ones to tackle and prevent NCDs! More

Apurva, New Zealand

I am a medical student, and in my first year of hospital placement I could see the far-reaching effects of NCDs on people's lives. I saw patients who had to have amputations as a result of their diabetes. I saw people who had developed liver cirrhosis as a result of fatty liver disease. I saw patients in resuscitation after having a heart attack, or being rehabilitated after a stroke. Many of these conditions are preventable and are caused by modifiable risk factors, such as smoking or unhealthy diets. Exposure to these risk factors are often beyond individual control as they are heavily dictated by a person's surrounding environment. I therefore strongly support the cause of raising awareness about these diseases, and of advocating for social and structural change to address them at an upstream level. Too many people are suffering needlessly and action needs to be taken. More

Chalchisa Abdeta, Ethiopia

I have treated the complications of NCDs more than 7 years. Majority of my patients are not engaged in physical activity when I am asking them. Since 2015, I planned to focus on the prevention of NCDs by promoting physical activity through social media and starting to conduct research on physical inactivity to beat NCDs. I believe that active people are healthy and happy people. NCDs are preventable if we create community friendly physical activity programs. More

Jon Klein, United States

I am a pediatrician and work with adolescents and with child and adult health services and systems. Many children and youth are living with NCDs, and prevention of the behaviors that increase the risk of future NCDs must start during childhood and adolescence. NCDs affect me at a personal level, too: I have asthma. My daughter has Crohn's disease. My wife survived a stroke. My mother has COPD and heart failure. My father died of lung cancer from having been a smoker. We are fortunate to have access to health care and medications to control these conditions, and allow us to live healthy, productive lives. As a professional, I have chosen to work as the Executive Director of NCD Child, to help ensure that children, youth and families are part of countries' plans for NCD prevention and treatment. The prevention agenda must recognize injury and early brain development, and the interrelationship between child survival and other goals with the NCDs. The NCD treatment agenda must recognize the need for community-based systems that address the needs of children and families, both for specific conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, but also for children with a wide range of other special health care needs. Every child has a right to the care and support they and their family need to survive and thrive, and every country's health care delivery system must recognize the opportunities to address the prevention and treatment of NCDs for children and youth. More

Katja Iversen, Denmark

My beloved grandma and dad both died of cancer. Two very different people and two very different cancer stories, but the same feeling of loss and pain. I was close to both and with them during their year-long struggles, and during their final days and hours. I will never forget being there, holding their hand, kissing their forehead, and singing their favorite songs with a tearful, trembling voice as they let got of the life they loved. While I can't say that their death prompted me to change my lifestyle dramatically, their struggle against cancer - stomac cancer and ocular melanoma respectively - definitely prompted me to get tested regularly. And to care much more about NCDs than I had previously. More

Nana Taona Kuo, United States

NCDs not only affect the health of women and girls; but also the health and life opportunities of their children. For example, being born to a malnourished mother increases the chances of the child suffering from under-nutrition, late physical and cognitive development, and NCDs in adulthood. Women, children and adolescents often lack enabling environments where their needs are respected and addressed—and where they feel safe and are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles. We still have a long way to go to ensure that the workplace, cities, families and communities, offer the information, infrastructure, opportunities and services needed to improve the situation. This is critical if we are serious about fighting NCDs. The good news is that NCDs are generating increasing interest within the international community. Over the past two years major action platforms have been launched in these areas, including the Every Woman Every Child Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health. These are issues that affect all of our lives. Personally, I’ve always been concerned about what kind nutrition my family has access to. For example, I want to ensure my seven-year-old daughter will make healthy choices when she is not at home. Our choices matter. From the kind of food we and our families eat every day to the amount of exercise we include in our routine—our choices can have a tremendous impact on our communities and nations. Let’s make the most of them and help change the world. More

Gita Mishra, Australia

NCDs have long been part of my family story, right up to the present day. In my mind most right now is my elderly mother, who after various conditions – including heart problems – has developed dementia. Really I think most about my two dear sisters, who provide much of her care. In Indian culture the tradition is to look after the parents within the family right to the end. The idea of placing parents in institutional care is very foreign. But is also the case that the carer duties tend to fall on the women rather than than the men. This is at a time when Indian women are increasingly seeking their own careers and have a working life and when families have tended to become smaller and more mobile, so it is harder to share the carer duties around. I am deeply thankful to my sisters who have made the most sacrifices in caring for my mother, ensuring that her last years are as happy as possible, while still trying to keep their own personal lives going. As the population ages and lifestyles continue to change, I am certain that this type of situation cannot continue without placing huge stresses on Indian family life. But I am not sure how our culture will adapt. We would benefit if we started having a conversation about NCDs and their impact on families, especially on the role of early prevention and healthy ageing, rather than hide the issues away. More

Juliette Wittich, Switzerland

We have enormous opportunity to act on NCDs and change the course of millions of lives. Yet we are still moving too slowly to debunk the myth that only health actors can influence our future through NCDs. In reality, it will take each and every one of us - from decision makers across all sectors of government (especially Finance, Trade, Education and Environments), to our youth and those who produce our food, or build our cities. In 2015, 15.1 million people died prematurely between the ages of 30 and 70 as a result of NCDs. Most of these people were in low and low-middle income countries. Clearly this is a story of inequity, but it is one I firmly believe we have the power to change. If we unify our actions, think creatively and demand accountability from the structures that currently contribute so substantially to this loss of life, we can prevail. I am sharing my story, because I still believe we can #BeatNCDs - but we need to get moving on a global scale. More

SALISU IBRAHIM, Nigeria

Cancer is highl risk, I am a community and public health practitioner and I advise people to go for cancer and other disease tests regularly. More

Tobi Alli-Balogun, United Kingdom

My 8 year old cousin was diagnosed with leukaemia. I took him out the day before and wondered how things had changed, so quickly, overnight. The medical treatment he received was excellent; the hospital moved very quickly in referring him to a specialist children’s hospital. While there, he underwent chemotherapy treatment. It was hard watching him physically change; he lost all his hair and was noticeably weak, but after his course of treatment he made a full recovery. I know everyone is not able to say the same, but while some are sadly still losing their lives to such illnesses, I am grateful for the progress we have made in saving those we can, those like my cousin. Because of this I smile, however I am aware that there is work still yet to be done. More

anonymous, Kenya

Jane my family relative has diabetes, which led to loss of one of our family members due to late diagnosis. In the early 1980s patients were not screened during treatment and due to a shortage of lab services in rural areas, but now I am proud to note that everyone has access to screening due to digital glucometers which are portable and easy to use. More

anonymous, United States

I took vitamins thinking that I could prevent and treat whatever ailed me. I ate very healthy organic and exercised. I didn't manage my stress well and I thought was my abdominal upset was from an old ovarian cyst. But I also had weight loss, night sweats, easy bruising, all occurring within a period of a year. I brushed off my symptoms, as did one physician's assistant, agreeing that I had thin skin, early menopause and work stress as the source of feeling bad. My most frequent symptom was feeling like someone dropped a load of bricks on me and still I looked very healthy. All along the aggressive Large B cell Lymphomas were growing in my mesentery, Even when the doctor suspected something serious, I kept thinking he was wrong. I was very wrong and shouldn't have waited the extra few months to have a physician investigate. I'm glad that my doctor listened to me when I told him about my extreme fatigue and didn't think it was just stress and early menopause. He saved my life. More

Bhakti pachchigar, India

We usually think that one of the major problems for cancer is pollution that means lack of oxygen. In my country also many are facing this problem. Almost 17 years ago my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. We gave her the best treatment but she survived only one year. It's not just my grandmother who was a victim of cancer but many of my relatives also became victims of it. Right now I'm working with an NGO named THE WISHING FACTORY who fulfill the wishes of 18 year or below children suffering from Leukemia. My only message to all, is that many people who suffer from cancer are not able to afford their treatment and also the ones who are diagnosed belong to poor families as such. WHO is taking many steps to fight against cancer. So please help those who seriously need better treatment and prevention. Not only the person who's suffering is affected mentally and physically but also the patient's family. More

Nana Ama, Ghana

I started working with young people living with diabetes about 10 years ago and set up a support network for young people living with diabetes in Ghana about 4 years ago called Diabetes Youth Care. Over the years we have educated and created awareness about diabetes in Ghana. A lot still need to be done for access to insulin for these young ones so that they reach their fullest potential. For me the greatest gift is watching the young ones living with diabetes mentor each other and encourage each other to take their insulin. They also have become more confident knowing that they have the much need support from the group. One achievement was the camp last November for 60 plus young ones living with diabetes. First ever in the country and the smiles on their faces and their wish to have this annually. Thankful for the volunteer medics and non medics who also support these young ones. We realize that education is important for them to fully understand and manage diabetes. For the past 4 years we have also been organising monthly support group meetings for the young ones and their families. This has gone a long way to find out their needs and help them to take better care of themselves. Our motto is #diabeteswontstopus More

Charlotte O'Leary, Australia

I feel very lucky to be one of the first groups of young Australians to be vaccinated against human papilloma virus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer. At the age of 13 I didn't understand much about the vaccine, but now that I am studying medicine I am so grateful that I am protected. Combined with a national cervical cancer screening program, I applaud the Australian government for prioritising this important NCD. Unfortunately, there are too few countries around the world that prioritise vaccination for cervical cancer prevention and women are being affected by cervical cancer at a young age. This preventable and treatable disease kills women in the most productive time of their life and disrupts communities and families. I implore governments to ensure the health of their citizens and promote HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening for all girls and women. More

Joseph L. Kasika, Tanzania

I am NGO founder, my responsibility to my organization is to make sure these details are spread in my country Tanzania, especially in a rural areas. My team will take this as a tool in social health innovation, water, education, child abuse, they will ensure that awareness about health check ups has a high response, and positive impacts become better and delivered well to the community countrywide. Coming together brings an effort to fight against cancer and other diseases. More

Khadija, Pakistan

My mother suffering ca esophagus since last year. It was at that time too difficult to accept the situation. My family belong to a low income family. Probably no single risk factor we can identify, but she was encouraged by my sisters and now she is going to improve. Thank God our mother is with us and that modifiable behaviours are risk factor for cancer. We can change these. More

Anjo, Suriname

I'm from the Netherlands but I choose to live in Suriname, South America. I give education in a healthy lifestyle, I give lectures and have a radio program where I talk about health and disease. One and a half year ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had a terrible itch and when I looked why I felt a hard knot. I went to a surgeon and she took me serious, in one week I had a echo, a biopt was taken and an operation was planned. I was send to an cancer specialist. I was lucky, it was discovered so early that I only needed radiation. Radiation was hard and pain full but now after more than one year I recover very well. Radiation makes you tired, very tired. I knew to take the knot serious because of my mother and sister, they had both breast cancer. The awareness that also men can get breast cancer is not high so I hope that my story will help other men to take this serious. If you feel something that wasn't there before, go see a doctor and learn your sons to check them self's. In early stage the change to be a survivor is high. Check yourself if female members of your family have had breast cancer. I was lucky, so can you. I was already changing my lifestyle, sometimes it is difficult but I skipped sugar and meat in my menu, it makes me feel much stronger. More

Rajamanickam Rajkumars, India

I work in rural arras in Tamil Nadu along with community health volunteers. Our slogan is GRAB 3 CRAB - cancers of Cervix, Breast & Oral cavity, diagnosed by health workers in early stages and referred for further management in hospitals. Education Cancels Cancer! More

Janet Micallef, Malta

I'm 36 years old lady, mother of a 9 year old kid, 5 years post bone barrow transplant and 5.5 years post AML leukemia diagnosis. I just graduated in Nursing, as it was always on my bucket list along with many other things. What kept me going during my treatment was being determined to live and believing and trusting all the health care professionals around me, to continue raising my son and becoming a nurse one day. Last but not least the support and positivity I had from all my family and friends was outstanding and I thank each and everyone from the bottom of my heart. I could not have done it with all of those involved. My motto is ...Never loose hope ever...even if you have only few days to live...just live ...don't just exist <3 More

Gail Elbek, United States

Interesting that focus is not more often on prevention! With 1 in 6 diagnosed with cancer it is imperative that all organizations with interests in survival of humanity begin to care more about the increasing mass of environmental, as well as food and water poisons. Most do not know about critical health information as example- The NIEHS includes "Soy Infant Formula" on their list of poisonous "Environmental Agents" such as: Mercury, Arsenic, Lead, Dioxins, Pollution, etc...while especially in the United States; soy baby formulas, as well as soy-contaminated "milk" formulas, and child foods are increasingly soy contaminated while marketed without lawful warning labels! To prevent cancer diagnosis the truth about scientifically established human environmental, food, and baby formula poisons must be allowed with equal public disclosure as priority far above and beyond industry profits! More

Rajamanickam Rqjkumar, India

Name of our social movement: SMASHES - CANCER. Sexual Menstrual Social Hygiene Education Screening - SMASHES CANCER. We, as a Medical University conduct Health Education programs in villages and conduct screening programs for cervical, breast, oral cancers. We also conduct pre cancer management clinics in the far flung villages of rural India. We ensure accessibility, availability, acceptability, affordability , answerability in all the inputs of the programs which can serve as a model for other limited resource settings in developing countries. More

Shafi Syed, Germany

My wife was born in The Netherlands, lived in Canada for 47 years with me. Finally she wanted to return to Europe. She and I decided to buy a home in the Eifel region of Germany. The first 9 months went just normal. She also went to a Gyenecologist 3 months before she was diagnosed with a large tumor in her womb. It was 17x9cm in size. The Doctors decided to do a mass Hystrectomy and found 5 lymphnodes also with tumor. They decided to treat her with both chemo and radiation. Later on during her treatment they found a tumor in her brain, a small one in liver and the lung. Finally they decided, there is nothing they can do. She passed away eight months after the diagnosis. I lost my best friend and my beloved wife. I pray that soon this worst killer would be under control. More

B.Srinivasan, India

I am a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist from Pune, India - a care giver working to make prosthetic reconstruction and rehabilitation of patients with Head and Neck Defects, affordable and accessible. Head and neck defects caused due to loss of either an upper jaw, lower jaw, eye , ear or nose post cancer surgery, birth defects, or accidents lead to severe functional and physical morbidity. Most patients accept this with a fatalistic attitude and suffer from a sub-optimal quality of life. They survive the disease but are unable to cope up with the aftermath! Timely prosthetic reconstruction and multidisciplinary rehabilitation involving a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, Speech Therapist , Nutritionist and Psychologist ensures an optimal quality of life for the patients helping them reintegrate back into society. More

anonymous, Ghana

early cancer detection and treatment can save many life More

Clarence Healy, United Kingdom

Most cancers can be prevented, unfortunately very little is spent on research and awareness into the prevention of cancer. The best cure for cancer is prevention. More

anonymous, United States

I am a ovarian cancer survivor, I was extremely lucky mine was found early and no chemo or radiation. I work in a emergency room and have seen many woman diagnosis in the emergency room with ovarian cancer many times too late.. It is the silent killer.. We need to listen to our bodies because it is trying to tell us something!! More

Susanne Volqvartz, Denmark

I commit to beat NCDs! NCDs have been the core issue of my working life for 15 years. 6 years ago I initiated the Danish NCD Alliance to support people in East Africa to beat NCDs. It has not been difficult to find motivation for professional commitment to beat NCDs. My brother and daughter in law have been diabetic since childhood, my mother has asthma, she is a cancer survivor and suffers now from Alzheimer, my stepfather sadly died from cancer this summer. What really affected me this autumn, was that my husband was diagnosed with a heart disease, he was treated with a PCI and is on lifelong medication. Luckily we live in Denmark, and we all get the best possible treatment. If I had been an East African, my family would have been bankrupt from out of pocket costs, my mother would not have survived the cancer, my daughter in law would not have been able to give birth to our two lovely grandchildren and what I can hardly bare to think of, I would most likely have lost my husband. I have all good reasons for joining the global fight to Beat NCDs. More

Catherine Hartmann, Belgium

I am a public health advocate and the Secretary General of the European COPD Coalition. Hugely affected by tobacco harm within my family and friends, I am a keen advocate for further political action to address determinants of health and respiratory diseases. With the association, I meet politicians, write to them, organise meetings, provide evidence, all this to make sure they are aware of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) to then take the measures to prevent and manage it at best. More

Damas Nduwumwami, Burundi

I was diagnosed with diabetes type II on February 2010 during a stressful situation. I had already an hypertension since 1994 which was well taken care of. But because of the stress which was beyond my control, I started to feel useless, helpless and most of all anhealthy and therefore going to accept all the complications that go along with these 2 diseases. I was not at ease. I spent some weeks in the hospital where Doctors were able to control my diseases. There, I kept seeing patients dying with complications related to these 2 diseases. In fact, my quarter in the hospital was nearly all patients were affected by diabetes. Some were suffering of pancreatic complications at later stage and were counting days before death, some others were struggling with the cost of medicines while their related have abandonned their work to take care of them. A punishment to the whole family including friends who visit for their confort and support. From that time to now, I decided to keep these 2 diseases to do no harm to me. I regularly exercise, eat correctly and sensitize friends and neighbors to promote good health in speaking out how to control these deaseases and other NCDs. Our efforts though are being limited by a public anaware or very poor to acceed to medicines. In my view and hope, I think these NCDs should get the same attention as HIV/AIDS in order to curb their rampant progression. More

HAPPY NCHIMBI, Tanzania

The growing burden of NCDs affect all people, especially the poor. Where interventions are weak or non-existent, NCDs force people into poverty through high out-of-pocket expenditures for treatment. My Uncle is admitted at the private hospital due to suspected pulmonary cancer, now kidneys have stopped working he is in Intensive Care Unit. It is highly costing, paying 250,000TZs per night excluding medication and this is way too much. Prevention is highly needed, which is not only about individual behavior change but also about establishing sustainable changes in policies, physical and social environments and health services to promote health and well-being, so that most people can be free of NCDs. More

Wondu Bekele Woldemariam, Ethiopia

I am Wondu Bekele from Ethiopia, a father of Mathiwos, our third and youngest son, who died 13 years ago from leukemia (ALL type) and for whom our Society – the "Mathiwos Wondu-YeEthiopia Cancer Society” - is named.www.mathycancersoc.org. I joined the war on cancer just after I lost my beloved son. I can't tell you how much cancer affected my family: emotionally, physically and financially. I don't have the proper words to tell you how much we all miss our beloved son Mathiwos. Mathy changed our life in many ways; he was handsome, active and strong. We very much enjoyed the 51 months we had together and we have nothing to complain about, but we pray that our fellow human beings will never experience what we have been through. As you may agree, we human beings are not born to live on this earth forever; life may at times seem very long, but it is in fact very short and expensive to waste. We believe that we will meet Mathy again when our time on this earth is finished. We came to realize that forming a cancer society and trying to help our fellow cancer patients in whatever way we can and challenge the growing burden of cancer here in Ethiopia would be one of the best ways to remember our beloved son, his friends, and his cause, and to express our thanks to God for all the opportunities He gave us to help our son in every way humanly possible, leaving the rest to the will of God. More

Zuhura Saleh Amour, Tanzania

I have been working in the hospital ward as a nurse where I have been caring for NCD patients for 20 years. I know how much they suffer. Now I am the manager of Zanzibar NCD Alliance. I dedicate my time to combat NCDs and I know where the problems are in fighting NCDs. Our big challenges fighting NCDs in Zanzibar are inadequate knowledge about risk factor, prevention (healthy diet and daily exercise) and proper use of medicine in the population. These lead to further NCD complications on a national level. More

anonymous, United States

So these are the reflections of the mother of a warrior with diabetes for 24 years. Our story is entitled: The power of love and faith Sometimes I wonder ... where did I get the strength to continue? I was born in a structured solid family with Christian roots. I met my husband, the, I got my 2 children . Angel is the oldest & Carmen. She was diagnosed at 8 with type 1 diabetes. She was admitted to ICU, in less than an hour Carmen was critically ill! My husband I thought that we will lost her! We spent all night questioning why her, why us, and trying to understand how our lives would change. Over time, our lives are be different! The evolution of a disease like diabetes can change your life and but you inexorably; have the power to make it fruitful and happy. More

Tlangelani, South Africa

My NCD diagnosis took a long time. At first, doctors thought I had asthma, but after many years they realised I had rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Managing my RHD is very important. I take several medicines every day and have regular medical checkups. While I don’t know anyone else in my community with RHD, people are supportive. My parents were a big help, though my father has sadly passed away. More

Confidence, South Africa

I was very little when I developed rheumatic heart disease (RHD). My mother first took me to traditional healers in my local community, who told me I had a ‘shadow on my heart’. When I didn’t respond to traditional medicine, I visited the district hospital. There I received the treatment that I needed and got lots of support from my parents. Now, aged 19, I am very energetic and a keen runner. More

Dr Rob Beaglehole, New Zealand

I work as a clinical dentist and the Principal Dental Officer and Public Health Advocate for a regional health board in New Zealand. I am also the New Zealand Dental Association’s Spokesperson. Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the most common NCD on the planet. I am actively working at reducing sugary drink consumption with the goal of reducing tooth decay and other NCDs such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. I have been active in firmly placing the dangers of sugary drinks on the national agenda, including helping to initiate policies where no sugary drinks are sold at hospitals, some Councils and schools around NZ. I have also played a role speaking out on the benefits of community water fluoridation in NZ. I am currently on sabbatical leave to the World Health Organisation in Geneva, where I am working on sugary drink advocacy and taxation issues. I helped encourage WHO to adopt a sugary drink free policy at HQ which was announced in October 2016. More

VERONICA RUIZ, Mexico

Hello, my name is Veronica Ruiz I am 24 years old, I'm from Mexico. I have been studying singing since the age of 15 and from that moment I knew that singing was and is my salvation to withstand the adversities of our environment, singing and my family. We formed a band called SOULTIK 2 years ago with my school friends of music from rock to word with whom I have formed a musical and loving band. I thank you for your love. My dad Raul, my mom Aurora, my sister Montserrat and Alux (our beautiful puppy) know my sorrows, my joys and are the only ones who know how to mold my energy to succeed in any circumstances. We really love. I had obesity since I can remember and I've been in a diet of any kind, from many kind of doctors to the diet of the moon. Any diet has function to me. It is a difficult process because I have had to endure bullying, fatigue, sore knees and depressions due to my health condition. However love and desire to succeed have led me to not drag me down, and I have grown to accept me as I am and I believe that everything has a solution. Obesity is not easy, nor social, nor the individual, not diabetes, any disease is not easy to Carry. My dad is our emotional support, the tower of our family. He has been sick of diabetes for 23 years. Now he is sick and we have to support it for love and empathy, for thanks to all that he has taught us. I feel that love empathy can help us to fight, to be stronger and know that we are not alone More

Mellany Murgor, Kenya

I always wanted to be a doctor since I was 9 years old. My desire was to bring change, help people and alleviate human suffering. It is only in medical school that I first encountered the real healthcare challenges and the burden of disease. Training in a national referral Hospital meant most of our patients came in for specialized care, most of whom presented with complications and late stage of diseases. More often than not, patients presented with diabetes complications, hypertensive complications and even at late stages of cancer. Their pain and suffering, broke my heart and motivated me to do more and bring change. Knowing that the risk factors of some NCDs start early during childhood, teenage and early adulthood. I have rallied together several other youth and medical students to be involved in sharing correct information about health. We have been involved in health talks, health education, health advocacy and screening camps in various forums within the country. Even more than that, several people are already affected and living with NCDs. They need urgent care and access to essential medicines for their treatment. Through young Professionals Chronic Disease Network (YP-CDN) we have been involved in advocating for access to essential medicines needed to treat various NCDs. My hope is to see youths live a healthy life and those affected with NCDs access timely and essential treatment. More

Kiran, United States

My father has diabetes (type 2). My grandmother had diabetes. My mother has had bouts with high blood sugar. Diabetes and South Asians are linked so often, I sometimes forget a diagnosis doesn’t have to feel inevitable. The fact that South Asians are also more genetically predisposed to diabetes makes the prevention message that much harder to hear. As I’ve grown older, I have finally started to feel more in control of my future health – recognizing I can take control by maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise. And I understand I may need to monitor my levels more often than others and be more rigorous with my diet. In the last fifteen years, I’ve watched my father learn how to manage his diabetes; I’ve been overwhelmed with all of the health complications he’s faced as a result of his diabetes; but most importantly, I’ve been amazed at how well he’s controlled his diet (though we are still working on the regular exercise part). I am also so grateful he has the access to the medicines he needs daily to function. As a child health advocate and South Asian, I hope young girls and boys who have also lived through their parents' illnesses, recognize there are ways strategies to either prevent or manage diabetes in their own lives. Beyond access to care and knowledge about diabetes, individuals (young and old) need to hear stories of others to recognize support (through family, local, and on-line communities) is available! More

Flavia, Uganda

NCDs affect me personally and professionally: I am a degree nurse working in a cardiac unit and living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). I was diagnosed 3 days after the birth of my first baby. Initially, living with my NCD was hard. I experienced stigma when taking my daily medication, as many Ugandans still associate chronic disease with HIV. But now, I live positively and have even been blessed with a second son! More

Felicia, South Africa

I discovered I had rheumatic heart disease (RHD) three years ago, when I had an emergency cardiac operation. Now my health is better, but it is difficult to find permanent work as I still get some swelling. I used to be a cleaner and was the breadwinner of the family – now I’m unemployed it is much harder. Thankfully I find great comfort in my faith, and love getting involved in community netball. More

Farieda, South Africa

I have had rheumatic heart disease (RHD) for 55 years. By carefully managing my lifestyle, I stay healthy and have never once needed surgery. I walk a lot and I’m very careful with what I eat…I’m not a person for fizzy drinks and fast food! I encourage people with RHD to investigate what’s wrong with them and follow their doctor’s advice. We must do our best to be responsible for our own health. More

Zandile, South Africa

I got sick in primary school. I was very tired and struggled to eat. My mother took me to several doctors before I was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Since then, I have had 4 open-heart surgeries, and missed a whole year of school. But now I have a mechanical heart valve and school is going well. Next year, I hope to study dance at university, as my dream is to be a professional choreographer! More

Kibachio Joseph, Kenya

What a HAND....This is a precious hand...held me tight as a child, fed me and protected me. This hand was bruised like many other African woman's hands...rummaging for food...and eat we did....spent its whole life consoling others...Yet now....tired and peeling, bruised and scared...not by choice but by CHEMO...It stands as an innocent bystander as another member of the body....too deep in her chest for this hand to touch torments the whole of her with a disease only spoken in hushed tones in my village... Poor her; she has Cancer....oh i dare not shout lest she loses another friend...She prefers it be called a lung swelling but the chemo is making it difficult for her to hide...what has a lung swelling gotta do with falling hair....she has to explain...and she happens to be among the lucky ones to afford this tormenting therapy...the lines are months long in the capital... NCDs are no longer diseases of the rich as this hand is of no affluent means... Clearly diseases don't read books...nor watch news for that matter - I work as the head of NCDs in my country...As i fight cancer in the hospital and in the policy boardroom, cancer crept behind me right into my home....tormenting my very core... ...This is personal... ...This hand is my mother's hand....and represents many other mothers hands...too weak to be raised in protest...over poor or non investment in NCD infrastructure...I choose to fight for them, I choose to raise my hand for them-Join us #beatNCDs More

Brandon Cooper, United States

Our son Brandon was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), a rare form of cancer in children, at the age of 7. We were devastated by the news. After losing our 11 year old daughter in a tragic car accident, hearing your 7 year old child has cancer has got to be the hardest words for any parents to hear. It is a gift to have organizations like American Childhood Cancer Organization that are able to step in and help us with the variety of needs, including financial, that our family has faced. More

Qirong Chen, China

I had no idea my life would take me so far from my small village in Northwest China. Now I am a 23-year-old graduate student in Germany. But as a boy I was perpetually fatigued and would fall asleep in class. I was then diagnosed with heart disease. At that time I never imagined that I would one day go away to graduate school in Germany. Now I can run and play sports, and still have the energy to study hard. Without heart surgery, I wouldn’t have this life. More

Piyush Gupta, India

After a bad fall in 2013 my mother-in- law went for a gynaecological examination where she was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. She was lucky – many women are not diagnosed early enough. Whilst undergoing chemotherapy she suffered from severe side effects. Luckily I work with the Cancer Aid Society and was able to motivate her to adopt a diet rich in antioxidants and distract her from the disease. This eased her depression and improved her quality of life which is the goal of palliative care. More

Margot Vanfleteren, Belgium

I got diagnosed 22 years ago in snowy November. I was too little to understand the implications of Type 1 Diabetes. Improvements in medical and nursing science have led to a better quality of life. Diabetes helps me to see things from a different perspective. One thing I wish to make clear is the impact of policy for people living with diabetes. Without proactive policy makers academic and industrial inventions can’t be implemented to reduce the risk for complications. More

Ligia Padilla, United States

When my baby boy William was diagnosed with Leukaemia, I was lucky that my parents were able to care for my 2 year old daughter while I was in the hospital and that cancer organizations helped cover the costs that insurance didn’t. Government should give more money to entities like these. No parent should have to worry about who will look after their other children, or about lack of money for a home, food or clothing, while fighting for their child's life. William is now as smart, healthy 13 year old. More

Janice Jaramillo, United States

In November 2015, my 5 year old daughter Ayana was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Our family and our El Paso community sprung to action and began a whirlwind of overwhelming support. Over the next 5 months we stayed at the hospital to complete 4 cycles of chemotherapy, going home for one week at a time between cycles. Ayana finished treatment in March and went back to school in May. Lately her check-ups have been good, and she's getting ready to start 1st grade. More

Zaakirah Demba, United States

At nine months old, I was diagnosed with non-hereditary sporadic bilateral retinoblastoma; a rare children’s eye cancer. Shortly after, my right eye was surgically removed. Since then I have had monocular vision. I also experienced hearing loss from radiation and have been affected by post-traumatic stress from receiving this surgical procedure at such a young age. It took a long time for me to realise that "survivor" is a positive thing. I made it through something really difficult, something rare. More

Roy Townsend, United States

On September 25, 2013 my son Justin underwent surgery for a tumour in his brain. Surgery revealed the tumour was glioblastoma and it was malignant. Justin started the maximum amount of radiation allowed. Once, I heard “DAMN YOU CANCER GO TO HELL!!!” echo throughout the house, followed by… “why me? I am only twelve!!! I haven’t even lived long enough to be mean to anyone.” The cancer eventually returned in his spine. After a 10 month battle, Justin passed away at 10:43 AM August 7th, 2014. More

Pooja Gaigaware, India

I came to field of health after stroke attacked my grandmother. Then I decided to do research on NCDs in MPH and will continue further in a doctoral degree. The cost and psychological trauma it causes to patients and their relatives should be focused on. The inter-sectoral roles will make NCD prevention and healthy living possible for developing countries. Now I see to it that my mother, who is hypertensive, takes up walking and dietary salt reduction. More

Nancy Sanders, United States

My son Dale was diagnosed with high risk T-cell leukaemia when he was 11. He had many side effects from chemo but finally went off the treatment. 2 years later he relapsed in his bone marrow and central nervous system. His liver, stomach and kidneys were destroyed by the donor marrow. He spent the last 7 weeks of his life on a respirator. We had to make the heart wrenching decision to let him go. He died 20 days after turning 18. I hope my son's story can be used to make a difference in other children's lives. More

Mary Ann Barnes, United States

Childhood cancer robbed me of my 6 year old brother when I was 11 years old. It robbed me of any pleasure I could have from my birthday as his is the day before mine. It robbed me of happy holidays and any nieces or nephews my brother could have had. My faith was shattered. Losing a sibling that young makes you rethink everything. There is no explanation that will ever make me feel peace with the incredible amount of suffering my brother saw. I will never understand or stop hurting. More

Louise Agersnap, Denmark

NCDs are everybody's business – they strike us all: Ourselves, friends, family. I'm no exception. Tobacco killed my dad. My grandmother has dementia. My mother is a cancer survivor. Thanks to the Danish health and welfare system she was able to get the treatment that saved her life, without financial ruin. I’m appalled by how millions of people are denied their right to health, and how tobacco, alcohol, junk food, air pollution, and lack of opportunities to be physically active undermine our chances of long healthy lives. You Too are affected. Tell your story. More

Lisa Tichenor, United States

For three years after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, my son Willie endured 12 surgical procedures, 32 intensive chemotherapy treatments, 12 blood transfusions, and 17 hospital stays. He also graduated from high school, made a road trip to Florida, got a job with his church, performed with his band, rented his own apartment, led a church youth group mission, and attended the University of Texas. Willie did everything possible to survive. But, eventually, Willie ran out of options. More

Beth Schille, United States

On June 24 2011 our 3 year old daughter Lauren was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. She underwent 43 weeks of chemotherapy and 28 days of radiation. She lost a lot of weight and had to have surgery in both eyes because the chemotherapy drug weakened the muscles in her eyes. But we are happy and blessed to say that as of May 24 2015 Lauren has been in remission for 3 years. Lauren reminds us that cancer is not prejudiced; it can strike anyone at any time. More

Laureen Lattin, United States

My son Drew was diagnosed with Stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate when he was 18 years old. I am grateful that people will never have heard of this childhood cancer. Learning of this diagnosis was devastating. He died just before being accepted in the second round of a research protocol. I would like this story to call attention to the importance of funding for childhood cancer research. Our children need legislators to advocate for increased childhood cancer research funding! More

Cyndi Mack, United States

Michael Mack is my "sun," I will never say "was my son." The day after Michael’s 18th birthday, and 22 days before high school graduation, he was diagnosed with cancer. He immediately began 7 rounds of chemo but tumor barely changed. Amazingly, Michael had the strength to walk at graduation and receive his diploma! On the day he should have moved into his college dorm, he was wheeled into surgery to have his left leg amputated, ending his dream of playing baseball. Michael's life ended after bravely fighting for 22 months. More

Anna Ertz, United States

Our Jackson was diagnosed on June 27 2014 with T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. His cancer came on quickly and strongly. We started a 28 day protocol of treatment but his body was torn down. He endured kidney, liver, and lung failure. He also had severe infection from having no white blood cells, and was malnourished. His cancer only lasted 47 days before he passed away on August 11, 2014. We want to see a day when a child isn't treated with such harsh treatment but will 100% survive! More

Seth Rojhani, United States

I am a 25 year old NCD survivor. When I was 6 months old I was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and severe Hemophilia A on the same day. After overcoming cancer once, it came back a second time when I was 11 months old. I beat cancer again and underwent chemotherapy treatment and can proudly say I am a cancer survivor. Along the way there have been many complications, but after overcoming all of these obstacles and continuing to deal with Hemophilia I would not change a thing, as it has made me a better person and has given me opportunities I would never have dreamed of. More

Nalini Saligram, United States

Diabetes runs in my father's family. Some family members have suffered serious consequences including heart disease, eye damage and kidney failure. I myself have diabetes and started a non-profit Arogya World committed to prevent diabetes through health education and lifestyle change. I believe it is my generation's responsibility to fix NCDs and I am determined to do what I can to help the next generation have a healthy future. More

Mary Shi, China

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged 18. Complaining of frequent exhaustion, insatiable hunger and thirst, and dropping weight, my family and friends credited my ailments to pressure from my exams. At the beginning, I was totally lost. I was always lonely and it seemed there was nobody to talk to. I have made it my mission to spread knowledge of type 1 diabetes in China. I hope people with type 1 diabetes can get together to fight discrimination and to not feel constricted by a long-term health condition. More

Diana Vaca Mcghie, United States

NCDs affect me in more ways than I can count. As a health advocate in both cancer and now cardiovascular disease and stroke, I have seen the toll of these diseases on humankind. Some of those closest to me are living with a chronic disease and unfortunately several have succumbed to the diseases. As a community member, I have made commitments to run for the cause, raising money to help fund important research for both cancer and heart disease. I have passionately advocated for changes in policy within my state and country. Through my work I have seen the hope of many who own the title ‘NCD survivor’. They are my inspiration and have given my work purpose. More

Binit Gandhi, India

I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes 4 years ago. I immediately felt that there should be a common platform for young people with diabetes to connect with one other. Joining the International Diabetes Federation’s Young Leaders in Diabetes programme changed my perspectives and helped me to be a better individual. I met friends with diabetes from different walks of life doing amazing work and living a perfectly normal life from 55 countries. It was like a dream turning into reality. More

Estefanía Malassisi, Argentina

I am 21 years old and have had type 1 diabetes since the age of 2. Even though I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I have never stopped doing things, I’m studying to be a pediatrician, and I am a Young Leader in Diabetes for the International Diabetes Federation. This means that I work every day to help and make the lives of people with diabetes better. I’m not ashamed for my diabetes; I think it made me strong, persistent and an eternal warrior. My message for everyone: Never Give Up! More

Lilly Kamande, Kenya

We are just seeing a tip of the iceberg of patients with diabetes because mostly they come when they probably have symptoms. Even young people who are getting diabetes are not the rich. You find these are students in schools who are obese and are not active and not participating in sports and activities like that. They are so used to having french fries and soda for their main meals. We are still in a developing country whereby healthcare is not really affordable to the common Kenyan. We need to be the champions and tell the world that the way we are doing things is not the right way if we want to achieve what we want in terms of good health. More

Nancy Ngugi, Kenya

Dr Nancy Ngugi, head of diabetes and endocrine clinic, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. There is a global epidemic of diabetes, but this is more so in the African continent. There is more stress, the diet we eat is more refined and people exercise less. They are driving to work, as the economy is growing. Due to the chronicity of diabetes and the cost, as healthcare is not free in Kenya, people have to pay to see the doctor, get their medicines and get their tests. In lower-income communities you find that life is hard, people don’t have money to buy drugs, to go to see the doctor, to get their tests done. We really need to educate people about NCDs and chronic illnesses because that is an issue not only in Kenya but in Africa. More

Mbambu Alphosina, Uganda

I am a young resident of Kampala and completed a free cancer screening organized by the Uganda NCD Alliance. This organization needs to continue helping us to know our conditions, get information about diseases like Cancer, Diabetes and heart and also get treatment. Our government people cannot reach everywhere to help with such they are very few and busy at the hospitals with very long lines for patients! More

Kim Simplis Barrow, Belize

In 2011, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. It has been a tough journey, but it has been an incredible one that has brought me many fulfilling moments and hope and joy for so many other people. As personal as it is, and I know that it's not an easy one, I will continue to do whatever it takes to educate my people, to support them however which way I possibly can and to try to be that inspiration and that hope that they try to find on a daily basis. More

Jason Williams, Belize

I have family members affected by NCDs. My mom has diabetes and high blood pressure. She migrated to the USA with her brother who is a pharmacist. I suffer from poor nutrition and have high cholesterol due to the types of food I can afford. I was given some medication at a local clinic but stopped taking it a long time ago because it made me feel ill. I have learned to manage with natural remedies and live a carefree life on a daily basis. More