Non-Communicable Diseases: A Major Problem Worldwide

Abstract

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a worldwide major problem. NCDs are ac-counted for over 36 million deaths each year and highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.1 It is estimated that 16 million people die prematurely before reaching the age of 70.2 It is also the leading cause of hospital admission and premature deaths. NCD comprises diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart attacks, cancer, obesity, depression etc. Some of the major NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia are attributed to unhealthy lifestyle behav-iours. Four prominent risk factors namely smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol and unhealthy diet have been found to be associated with NCD deaths. Tables 1 and 2 show worldwide mor-tality in 2012 based on the 4 main non-communicable diseases and total, premature NCD and preventable risk factors relating to deaths respectively.