Non-communicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are long-lasting conditions influenced by genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. The main types of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. These diseases disproportionately affect individuals in low- and middle-income countries, where over three-quarters of global NCD deaths occur. Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or 17.9 million people annually, followed by cancers (9.3 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4.1 million), and diabetes (2.0 million including kidney disease deaths caused by diabetes). NCDs impact people of all age groups, with evidence showing that 17 million NCD deaths occur before the age of 70, with 86% of these premature deaths happening in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors for NCDs include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco smoke exposure, alcohol use, and air pollution. Detection, screening and treatment of NCDs, as well as palliative care, are key components of the response to NCDs.