Innovations for cardiometabolic disease care in humanitarian settings
This research was funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation and conducted collaboratively between Elrha and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).
Continuity in crisis for NCD care
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly three-quarters of global deaths, with most premature mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In humanitarian settings, this burden is even greater. Conflict, displacement, climate shocks and fragile health systems disrupt long-term care for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Interruptions in care can quickly lead to life-threatening complications, placing further strain on fragile systems. While the need is rising, evidence on effective approaches remains limited, often reflecting the challenges of documenting impact in crisis settings rather than a lack of solutions.
Innovations delivering care despite disruption
This report examines innovations supporting CMD care across sub-Saharan Africa, including a case study from Ethiopia. It shows how adaptable, locally driven approaches can sustain services during repeated shocks.
Key insights include:
- Continuity comes first – Effective models maintain access to medicines, treatment and follow-up by bringing care closer to communities.
- Layered resilience matters – Combining approaches (eg, telemedicine, digital training, adapted storage) keeps services running.
- Integration strengthens systems – Embedding CMD care in primary healthcare and emergency platforms improves sustainability. Integrating with co-existing humanitarian health priorities such as HIV/TB and maternal health remains a gap.
- Impact assessment must be approached differently – Service continuity and access are key indicators in crisis contexts.
- Scaling is multidimensional – Progress includes sustaining services, improving quality and adapting to changing conditions.
- Barriers persist – Funding instability, supply chains and social factors constrain impact.
- Local innovation is critical – But often underfunded and structurally fragile.
- Equity gaps remain – Some groups are still underserved, and integration with other services is limited.
Scaling integrated and resilient solutions
The most effective approaches integrate chronic care into existing health systems, especially primary healthcare, rather than treating it as a standalone priority.
Progress depends on strengthening systems – financing, supply chains, workforce capacity and embedded research – rather than relying on new technologies alone. Supporting locally led innovation and improving evidence generation will be key to sustainable scale.
At a time of shrinking funding, investing in integrated CMD care protects lives while strengthening resilience across the humanitarian–development–peace nexus.
From short-term solutions to lasting change
Cardiometabolic care is central to resilient and equitable health systems in crisis settings. Across sub-Saharan Africa, innovative approaches are already sustaining care amid disruption.
With stronger investment, system integration and alignment, these solutions can move beyond fragile pilots to deliver lasting impact – ensuring continuity of care for populations facing ongoing crises.
Find out more
- Watch our webinar which highlighted key findings from the report alongside presentations and a panel discussion from report contributors and frontline implementers