Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs): Not Infectious, Driven by Lifestyle and Environment

NCDs are not caused by pathogens and are not transmissible person-to-person.

Major Groups (4 = 80% of NCD deaths)

• Cardiovascular diseases (IHD, stroke).
• Cancers.
• Chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma).
• Diabetes.

Risk Factors

• Behavioral – tobacco, unhealthy diet, inactivity, harmful alcohol.
• Metabolic – hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity.
• Environmental – air pollution, occupational carcinogens.
• Genetic/epigenetic – susceptibility.

Global Burden

• 74% of all deaths (41M/year); 77% in LMICs.
• Economic cost: $47T cumulative 2011–2030 (WEF).

Prevention

WHO "Best Buys": tobacco tax, salt reduction, trans-fat elimination, alcohol restrictions, HPV/HBV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, drug therapy for high CVD risk.