Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs): Have we lost the battle?
Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 38 million people each year, with almost three quarters of NCD deaths, occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In terms of mortality, sixteen million NCD deaths occur globally before the age of 70 years, and 82% of these “premature” deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. In addition, cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths or 17.5 million people annually, followed by cancers (8.2 million), respiratory diseases (4 million), and diabetes (1.5 million). Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets all increase the risk of dying from an NCD.1
Section
Editorials
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