ABSTRACT:
Context: Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major global health challenge. Their response requires coordinated actions involving governments, multilateral organizations, and Civil Society (CS) [1,2]. Although CS participation in the health decision-making cycle was formalized at the 2024 [3], NGO engagement in advocating for health has longstanding roots [4]. Within this landscape, we examine the role of the NCD Alliance (NCDA)—founded in 2009 by long-standing international NGOs—which has consolidated itself as a global coalition dedicated to NCD advocacy and currently brings together around 2,000 members worldwide[5]. This study, part of doctoral research, analyzes the strategies of an NGO engaged in defending health as a universal human right[7].

METHODS:
A documentary analysis was conducted of World Health Assemblies (WHA), UN High-Level Meetings on NCDs (HLM) from 2009 to 2022, WHA resolutions and decisions, and NCDA policy statements and documents. A logical systematization model was also developed for NGOs engaged in global advocacy.

RESULTS:
From 2009 to 2022, the NCDA participated in 11 of 14 WHAs and three HLMs. It produced 71 policy statements for WHAs and 18 for HLMs, addressing NCDs and related themes [7,9]. Its advocacy strategies included participation in global forums, campaigns, meetings, mobilisation of people living with NCDs. The NCDA joined UN and WHO working groups and supported the creation and strengthening of 64 national and regional alliances.Key attributes for NGOs operating globally were identified: institutional formalisation, legitimacy, sustainability, knowledge production, advocacy strategies, equity and diversity.

CONCLUSIONS:
Organised civil society participation is a social determinant of health. NGOs that promote social justice and health as a fundamental human right contribute to equity and to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, as demonstrated in this case study of the NCDA’s role in global health governance.