Global NCD Platform

What are NCDs?

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behaviours factors.


The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), diabetes and mental health conditions.


NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries where more than three quarters of global NCD deaths – 32 million – occur.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally
Each year, 15 million people die from a NCD between the ages of 30 and 69 years; over 85% of these "premature" deaths occur in low - and middle - income countries
Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or 17.9 million people annualy, followed by cancers (9.0 million), respiratory diseases (3.9 million), and diabetes (1.6 million)
These 4 groups of diseases account for over 80% of all premature NCD deaths
Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets all increase the risk of dying from a NCD
Detection, screening and treatment of NCDs, as well as palliative care, are key components of the response to NCDs