Due to globalization and commercial pressures, the adoption of unhealthy diets, smoking, and lack of physical activity contributes to the increasing rate of NCDs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In addition, the percentages of the population affected by NCDs are expected to increase significantly by 2030 because of the improvements in life expectancy and subsequent demographic transition. A substantial proportion of the NCD burden in the region is caused by modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. Reducing the burden of NCDs in the region necessitates addressing risk factors and preventive measures using locally relevant data to guide evidence-based interventions in the management and prevention of NCDs and inform policymakers and stakeholders to take multisectoral actions. This research topic is in collaboration with The 1st International Public Health Conference 2025: Driving Innovation, Engagement, and Collaboration for a Healthier UAE.

The goal of this Research Topic is to cover a wide range of topics related to NCDs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which will be addressed within the conference themes, including:

1. Provide an overview of the burden of NCDs in the region (original data is preferred).

2. Identify specific risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors) associated with NCDs in the region.

3. The impact of socioeconomic factors and humanitarian crises on the prevalence and outcomes of NCDs in the region.

4. The influence of social, political, and economic systems as critical factors in NCDs.

5. Identify individual and societal responsibilities in the management of NCD.

6. Discuss successful preventive and health promotion strategies that have reduced the burden of NCDs.

7. Addressing NCD risk factors through innovative and context-sensitive approaches, including digital health tools, community-based models, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Suitable themes for manuscripts include, but are not limited to:

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention:
- Methods of behavioral change and health promotion strategies that specifically address NCDs.

- Capacity building.

- Participatory approaches in public health research.

- Culturally acceptable health promotion and prevention interventions.

Public Health Challenges in the Region:
- Challenges in reaching underserved and vulnerable Populations.

- Addressing health inequalities in low and middle-income countries in the region.

Development of a Sustainable Health System:
- The importance of collaboration between governments and communities to create a sustainable health environment.

- Development of political frameworks to support health equity and access to health care.

Economic Impact of Non-communicable Disease in the Region:
- Direct and non-direct costs of NCD in the region.

- Economic cost of NCD on individuals/communities and countries.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control in the Eastern Mediterranean Region