“Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, and maintain health and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider” Current epidemiological evidence indicates four non-communicable diseases (NCDs) make the largest contribution to mortality in the majority of low and middle income countries (LMIC), namely: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease. Self-care strategies include both self-care and self-management by the individual. Inherent in the concept is the recognition that whatever factors and processes may determine behaviour, and whether or not self-care is effective and interfaces appropriately with professional care, it is the individual person that acts (or does not act) to preserve health or respond to symptoms.