Non-communicable disease
- Non-transmissible diseases
Nature
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic medical conditions not transmitted from person to person. Major types include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. NCDs are a significant global health problem, responsible for over 70% of all deaths worldwide. They are driven by risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. NCDs place a heavy burden on healthcare systems, economies, and societies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing NCDs requires comprehensive prevention, early detection, and effective management strategies to reduce morbidity, mortality, and associated social and economic impacts.
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) emerged as a global concern in the late 20th century, as epidemiological data revealed rising mortality from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses. The 1990 World Health Organization report marked a turning point, highlighting NCDs’ growing burden beyond high-income countries. Subsequent international summits, including the 2011 UN High-level Meeting, solidified recognition of NCDs as a critical threat to global health and development.
Incidence
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for approximately 74% of all global deaths, with over 41 million people dying each year, according to the World Health Organization. The burden is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries, where over three-quarters of NCD deaths occur. Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are the leading contributors, affecting all age groups and placing immense strain on healthcare systems worldwide.
In 2022, India reported a significant surge in diabetes cases, with the Indian Council of Medical Research estimating over 101 million adults living with the disease. This rise highlights the growing NCD crisis in South Asia.
In 2022, India reported a significant surge in diabetes cases, with the Indian Council of Medical Research estimating over 101 million adults living with the disease. This rise highlights the growing NCD crisis in South Asia.
Claim
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a critical global crisis that cannot be ignored. They cause the majority of deaths worldwide, devastating families and overwhelming healthcare systems. Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs are often preventable, making their prevalence even more unacceptable. Immediate action is essential—governments, communities, and individuals must prioritize prevention, education, and treatment. Ignoring NCDs is a reckless gamble with public health and the future of our societies.
Counter-claim
Non-communicable diseases are vastly overhyped as a public health concern. With modern medicine and technology, most of these conditions are manageable or even preventable. Resources would be better spent elsewhere, as the focus on non-communicable diseases distracts from more urgent issues like infectious outbreaks or poverty. Frankly, the attention given to these diseases is disproportionate and unnecessary in today’s world. It’s simply not an important problem anymore.
Broader
SDG
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(B) Basic universal problems
Biological classification
N/A
Content quality
Yet to rate
Language
English
D7NID
189199
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Nov 3, 2022