Humanitarian responses overlook NCDs and mental health.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health disorders surge during crises, yet remain under-prioritized in emergency health systems. These chronic conditions now account for most global deaths and disability, but humanitarian models still emphasize acute care—undermining resilience, equity, and sustainable recovery.

Insights

Political: Despite global momentum, emergency health policies rarely embed sustained mental health or NCD care.

Economic: Ignoring chronic care during crises increases future healthcare costs. Community-based mental health and WHO NCD kits are cost-effective, but need stable investment.

Social: Displacement, trauma, and disrupted care worsen outcomes for vulnerable populations. Mental health and NCD needs compound existing inequalities, particularly among the forcibly displaced.

Technological: Scalable digital tools—like health mobile treatment kits—can extend care, but connectivity barriers and fragility hinder deployment.

Legal: Rights to mental health and essential medicines are inconsistently upheld in emergencies. Inclusive legal frameworks are essential to protect chronic care access during crises.

Environmental: Climate-related disasters amplify both psychological distress and NCD risks, requiring emergency systems to be both acute- and chronic-ready.

Reflective Questions

How can humanitarian health models be reimagined to give equal priority to chronic conditions and acute care needs?
What technologies and partnerships could close care gaps for displaced people with mental or chronic conditions?
How can emergency preparedness plans guarantee continuity of care?