Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are currently responsible for over 60% of global deaths. This burden is one of the major public health challenges facing all countries, regardless of their economic status. NCDs threaten economic and social development and, without concerted efforts at country level, are predicted to increase in the coming decade.

To respond to this burden, WHO conducts periodic assessment of national capacity for NCD prevention and control through the use of a global survey to all Member States known as the NCD Country Capacity Survey (NCD CCS). Such periodic assessment allows countries and WHO to monitor progress and achievements in expanding capacities to respond to the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases.

The questionnaire, which covers the following topics: health system infrastructure; funding; policies, plans and strategies; surveillance; primary health care; and partnerships and multilateral collaboration; is completed by national NCD focal points or designated colleagues within the ministry of health or a national institute/agency.

Implementation of the NCD CCS is managed collaboratively between WHO Headquarters (WHO HQ) and the six WHO Regional Offices. NCD Country Capacity Surveys have been carried out in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2013 and 2015. Reports for these surveys are available by following the links below.

Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2014 | Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2014