Rapidly increasing rates of non-communicable disease in low- and middle-income countries are almost entirely preventable. The costs borne by poor communities and under-resourced health services can be avoided with low-cost solutions that make healthy living more accessible and affordable.

Local evidence is needed, however, to support policies that reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption, promote healthy eating, and encourage active living. Evidence for prevention will help to advance these policies, which are often challenged by opposing commercial interests.

Since 1994, IDRC’s Research for International Tobacco Control program has helped to address tobacco use and production as a development issue. Building on this, the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention program continues to generate new knowledge around tobacco control and other disease prevention measures that can improve lives in low- and middle-income countries.