This question and answers document aims to give a brief summary of the linkages between COVID-19 and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). It is not a comprehensive review. Information is provided on ten frequently asked questions on risk to COVID-19; impact on funding and NCD programme delivery; causes of disruptions to NCD programme delivery during COVID-19, how COVID-19 affects people living with NCDs including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, obesity, dementia; how does COVID-19 impact people living with or affected by mental health conditions; what is the role of diet and physical activity during COVID-19; how are unhealthy industries influencing behaviour and practices during COVID-19; does air pollution increase the risk of COVID-19; does smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of COVID-19; what preparedness steps could be taken to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on people living with or affected by NCDs? 

For more information, please visit NCDA’s resources page [2], and our page of calls to action from the NCD civil society movement [3] in response to this new pandemic.