Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent one of the world’s major health challenges. In many parts of the world, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancers, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases are major causes of mortality and morbidity, leading to the death of 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 years annually. The burden of NCDs has been rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over 80% of these “premature” deaths occur. Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets (the major risks of NCDs) are still commonly practiced, especially in transitional economies with rapid urbanization and industrialization.

Although many risk factors of NCDs are preventable, research and coverage of interventions to relieve the burden of NCDs in LMICs are still limited. While improving healthy behaviors and strengthening the health system in NCDs screening and treatment among communities are key components of the response to NCDs, these strategies require better a understanding of the multiple transitions in the population, economy, disease models, and social contexts.

This special issue aims to introduce the latest research findings about NCDs in transitional economies: evidence to inform clinical, management, and policy development. This is open to any subject area related to NCDs with a focus on LMICs.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Population health and socioeconomic burden of NCDs
• NCDs management and treatment outcomes
• Interventions to reduce risk factors for NCDs (tobacco, alcohol, substance abuse, diet, etc.)
• Implementation sciences in NCDs control
• NCDs monitoring, evaluation, and surveillance