Introdution

Non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes) make the largest contribution to mortality both globally and in the majority of low- and middle- income countries (LMCs). Worldwide, NCDs account for 60% (35 million) of global deaths. The largest burden - 80% (28 million) - occur in LMCs, making NCDs a major cause of poverty and an urgent development issue.

In LMC countries, 8 million die prematurely each year (below the age of 60) from preventable causes which include tobacco use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Lack of access to affordable medicines and health care services are also major causes of these premature deaths.

Globally, NCDs will increase by 17% in the next ten years, and in the African region by 27%. The highest absolute number of deaths will be in the Western Pacific and South-East Asia regions.