Latest content: Health

The number of people aged 65 and over in Commonwealth countries is projected to rise from 231 million in 2019 to 559 million by 2050. There is a growing need to ensure that they also age well, living productive, healthy and fulfilling lives.

To advance this goal, CommonAge has partnered with Innovate UK and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). On Friday, 13 June 2025, a network of investors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders met in person, with some participating online, at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters at Marlborough House. Together, they discussed how they can create and fund sustainable solutions for health ageing through the CommonAge Living Well – Ageing Well Innovation Challenge. 
Read news - CommonAge partner to empower ageing Commonwealth populations
By Victoria Rutter, CEO of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and a member of the Commonwealth Advisory Health Committee. CPA is a Commonwealth-accredited organisation.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health threats of the 21st century. Nearly 40 million people could lose their lives to AMR infections over the next 25 years, with the heaviest toll expected in lower-to-middle income countries, many of them in the Commonwealth. In the past decade, projected AMR-related deaths by 2050 have quadrupled, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. If AMR were a war, it would rival the deadliest in history. It demands innovative, coordinated responses.
Read news - Blog: How Commonwealth partnerships are tackling the global threat of antimicrobial resistance
This report presents key findings, lessons learned and recommendations for strengthening legislative responses to NCDs in the Pacific. Moving forward, sustained commitment from governments, regional organisations and development partners will be crucial in ensuring that legislative measures translate into meaningful public health outcomes.
Read publication - Support to Draft New or Amend Existing NCD-Related Legislation in the Pacific Community
The impact of GBV on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes is influenced by other factors, such as lack of sexual empowerment and emotional and social support, which highlights the complexity of GBV and its ramifications. This study includes domestic and sexual violence within its scope of GBV and emphasises that both types infringe upon the rights of victims.
Read publication - The Health Sector Response to Gender-based Violence and Violence Against Sexual and Reproductive Health
The World Malaria Report 2024 findings highlight notable advancements within Commonwealth countries to combat the incidence of malaria cases. Belize was certified malaria-free for the second year running and across Africa - in Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tanzania – the incidence rate has been reduced.
Read news - New report shows Commonwealth countries making progress against global uptick in malaria burden
14 November 2024 to 14 November 2024
(GMT)
Webinar
Cancer prevention and control could save hundreds of thousands of lives in low-and middle-income Commonwealth nations including Small Island Developing States. This webinar will discuss innovative ways of preventing and controlling cancer prevention and control and present insights and strategies that can drive meaningful change.
High-level government leaders and multistakeholder partners came together today to strengthen their commitment to addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health at a side event held during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa.
Read news - Government leaders and multisectoral partners unite to tackle noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues in the Commonwealth
This roadmap establishes a framework for how Commonwealth member countries can promote healthy ageing across the life-course for all citizens, and address the current and future challenges arising from ageing populations. It offers recommendations that aim to align policies and foster collaboration between government bodies, businesses and civil society, and provides an overview of tried-and-tested solutions that can be adapted to the unique needs of each country.
Read publication - Ageing Well in the Commonwealth: A Roadmap for Healthy Ageing