Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—such as mental illness, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer—are rising rapidly across East Africa, yet health systems remain largely reactive and underprepared. Early detection tools are scarce, community-based interventions are limited, and chronic disease care is often fragmented or out of reach, especially for those in underserved areas. These gaps have profound implications for women and newborns: unmanaged hypertension and diabetes increase pregnancy risks, while undiagnosed mental health conditions can undermine maternal and child wellbeing.

Recognizing this, CPHD is committed to embedding NCD prevention and care into the continuum of maternal, newborn, and child health services. Our experience leading the citiesRISE Nairobi Project demonstrated the value of integrating mental health into community and school systems. The project trained teachers in mental health literacy, created safe spaces for youth dialogue, and completed university-based assessments to guide future interventions—all in partnership with government agencies and professional bodies.

Building on this, we are expanding our NCD portfolio to address hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and palliative care—with a focus on solutions that serve women before, during, and after pregnancy. We are exploring scalable models that strengthen early screening during antenatal visits, improve access to essential medicines, and ensure continuity of care for mothers diagnosed with chronic conditions. In oncology and palliative care, we aim to train frontline providers, support timely referrals, and promote compassionate, community-centered models of care.

Through an integrated, locally driven approach, CPHD is working to ensure NCD services are no longer an afterthought—but a core part of resilient, equitable, and life-saving primary healthcare systems.