NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

It’s no secret that noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma cause an increasing burden of death and disability in rich and poor countries alike. But few people are aware that 35 million people die from chronic diseases globally each year, and that number is expected to grow considerably over time.

Furthermore, 80 percent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, many of which continue to struggle with the already staggering impact of HIV and AIDS, maternal mortality, preventable child deaths and infectious diseases such as Ebola, malaria and tuberculosis. Because they usually develop during a person’s prime working years, NCDs also pose a significant challenge to economic development.

While countries need to lead the effort to prevent, treat and manage NCDs, the magnitude of this epidemic requires a coordinated response from a multitude of actors, including multilateral organizations, civil society and the private sector.