ABOUT US

More than 80% of deaths around the world are caused by NCDs and unintentional injuries. Unintentional injuries, such as from car crashes, take the lives of 3.16 million people every year. Roughly 86% of NCD deaths that are considered premature occur in low- and middle-income countries, posing a major challenge for global development.

Public health policies at their best—as opposed to short-term projects—are backed by evidence and designed for long-term change. The goal is to garner broad public support and, in most cases, to effect permanent solutions in the way a city functions and in public perceptions and behavior: Think mandated seat-belt use, restaurant inspections or smoke- free workplace. Initiatives like the Policy Accelerator support cities to create and implement life-saving policies.

In March 2020, the Partnership expanded its scope to provide immediate assistance in the urban response to COVID-19. By collaborating with WHO and Resolve to Save Lives, the Partnership enlisted the world’s leading experts on epidemic prevention. The COVID-19 response work focused on technical and financial assistance and practical resources geared toward challenges every city is facing, ranging from maintaining city services to managing risk communications and implementing legal guidance on measures that protect health and safety.