Non-communicable Diseases Globally - Silent Epidemic
- NCDs: Chronic, non-infectious, non-transmissible diseases; long duration, slow progression.
- Major types: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), diabetes.
- Global Impact: Leading cause of death & disability; ~74% of global deaths.
- Indian Burden: Significant & ↑ing; >60% of deaths. A major public health challenge.
- "Silent Epidemic": Gradual onset, often asymptomatic until advanced stages, leading to delayed diagnosis.
⭐ Four major NCDs - cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes - account for ~80% of all premature NCD deaths.
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Non-communicable Diseases Globally - The Big Four
- Cause ~74% of global deaths (41 million annually).
- 1. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs):
- Leading NCD killer (17.9M deaths).
- Types: Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), Stroke.
- Risks: Hypertension, ↑lipids, smoking, diabetes.
- 2. Cancers:
- Second NCD killer (9.3M deaths).
- Types: Lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, stomach.
- Risks: Tobacco, alcohol, poor diet, infections.
- 3. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs):
- E.g., COPD, Asthma. Cause 4.1M deaths.
- Risks: Tobacco smoke, air pollution, occupational dusts.
- 4. Diabetes Mellitus:
- Type 2 most common. Causes 2.0M deaths (incl. related kidney disease).
- Risks: Obesity, poor diet, inactivity, genetics.
- Complications: CVD, nephropathy, retinopathy.
⭐ Over 80% of premature NCD deaths (ages 30-69) occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Non-communicable Diseases Globally - Culprit Lineup
- Major Modifiable Behavioural Risk Factors:
- Tobacco Use: Leading preventable NCD death cause.
- Unhealthy Diet: ↑salt, ↑sugar, ↑trans-fats; ↓fruits/vegetables.
- Physical Inactivity: < 150 mins moderate or 75 mins vigorous activity/week.
- Harmful Alcohol Use: Dose-dependent risk.
- Key Metabolic Risk Factors (Intermediate):
- Hypertension (↑BP)
- Obesity (↑BMI)
- Hyperglycemia (↑Blood Glucose)
- Hyperlipidemia (↑Cholesterol)
- Other Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Air pollution (indoor/outdoor)
- Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Ageing, Genetics, Ethnicity.

⭐ The "25x25" WHO target aims for a 25% relative reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025, focusing on these risk factors.
Non-communicable Diseases Globally - Global & India Fights
- Global Commitments:
- WHO Global NCD Action Plan (2013-2030):
- Aims for 25% relative reduction in premature NCD mortality by 2025 (📌 "25x25" target).
- Includes 9 voluntary global targets & 25 indicators.
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention, treatment, and promoting mental health.
- WHO Global NCD Action Plan (2013-2030):
- India's Multi-pronged Strategy:
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS):
- Focus: Health promotion, opportunistic screening, early diagnosis, access to affordable treatment, rehabilitation.
- Strengthening infrastructure & human resources.
- Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs):
- Comprehensive Primary Health Care including NCD screening (hypertension, diabetes, oral, breast, cervical cancers) and management.
- Other Key Initiatives:
- FSSAI's Eat Right India movement, trans-fat elimination.
- National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).
- Fit India Movement.
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS):
⭐ India's NPCDCS program is a cornerstone for achieving national NCD targets, including a 25% relative reduction in premature mortality by 2025.
High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways
- NCDs (CVDs, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases) are leading global death causes.
- Major modifiable risk factors: Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol use.
- WHO "Best Buys" are cost-effective interventions for NCD prevention and control.
- Global NCD target: 25% relative reduction in premature NCD mortality by 2025 (25x25).
- India has a significant NCD burden, a major public health challenge.
- SDG Target 3.4: Reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030.
- NPCDCS is India's national program tackling major NCDs.
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