Reframing noncommunicable diseases and injuries for the poorest Malawians: the Malawi National NCDI Poverty Commission

Noncommunicable diseases and injuries (NCDIs) account for nearly 70% of deaths worldwide with an estimated 75% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, the burden of disease from NCDs is most often caused by the ‘big four,' namely: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic lung diseases. However, in Malawi, these four conditions account for only 29% of the NCDI disease burden. The Malawi National NCDI Poverty Commission was launched in November 2016 and will describe and evaluate the current NCDI situation in Malawi, with a focus on the poorest populations. The National Commission will investigate which NCDIs do cause the biggest burden, which are more present in the young, and which interventions are available to avert death and disability from NCDIs in Malawi, particularly among the poorest segments of the population. The evidence gained through the work of this Commission will help inform research, policy, and program interventions, all through an advocacy lens as we strive to address the impact of NCDIs amongst all populations in Malawi.