Global Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by bacteria, while cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes are non-communicable diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, are the leading cause of death from NCDs globally, accounting for approximately 17.9 million deaths per year.

The South-East Asia region, which includes countries like India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, has the highest burden of NCDs, accounting for approximately 60% of global NCD deaths.

As of 2021, an estimated 400 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, with the majority of cases being type 2 diabetes.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 1.8 million deaths per year.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for NCDs, while tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors.

According to the WHO, adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week to reduce the risk of NCDs.

A comprehensive approach to preventing and controlling NCDs includes health promotion, early detection and treatment, and rehabilitation.

The estimated economic cost of NCDs globally is approximately $4 trillion per year, including direct healthcare costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity.

Low- and middle-income countries often face challenges in accessing NCD care due to a combination of factors, including lack of healthcare infrastructure, high cost of medications, and lack of trained healthcare professionals.

International cooperation plays a crucial role in addressing the global burden of NCDs by facilitating the sharing of best practices, capacity building in low- and middle-income countries, and research collaboration.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being includes a specific target to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.

The WHO's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs is a comprehensive framework that provides guidance to countries on how to address the global burden of NCDs.

Developing new NCD treatments is not a key component of the WHO's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, as the focus is on prevention and control rather than treatment.