This study assesses the opinions of health professionals in Kenya and Malaysia on the disruption of non-communicable disease (NCD) services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with non-clinical public health workers and clinical health service workers in Kenya and Malaysia from May 2021 to January 2022. Participants were recruited by the respective Ministries of Health using major networks and subsequent snowballing.

The most notable issues raised relate to NCD service disruption, the redirection of NCD care resources, and overburdened NCD care post-pandemic. Respondents also reported accounts of resilience and prompt reaction from the healthcare system, yet called for increased innovation.

Most respondents perceived that the challenges arising from COVID-19 were mostly managed well by the healthcare systems. However, the study identifies gaps in the health systems’ response and preparedness capacity, and highlights solutions for strengthening NCD services in the study countries and region.