Chronic conditions are the long-term health issues/problems that require ongoing management over a period of years or decades. They include chronic non-communicable diseases but also some communicable diseases and conditions (like disabilities) that lasts longer. Chronic conditions are on rise globally and in India, where it has become a leading cause of deaths and disabilities. The underlying reasons for this range from various socio-demographic changes in population, to changing environments, lifestyles, urbanisation and climate change.

Responding to chronic conditions requires an inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral engagement. The cluster on chronic conditions and non-communicable diseases seeks to expand our understanding of chronic conditions and how best to respond to prevention and management needs. The prevailing work at the cluster focuses on a range of thematic areas that include, strengthening health systems in rural districts and urban settings; public policy and regulations, especially in areas of tobacco control and road safety; and intersectoral actions for prevention and control of chronic conditions.