What are NCDs?
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) or chronic diseases are the number one cause of disability and death world over.
- The adverse physical and mental health, social, environmental and economic consequences of NCDs affect all, particularly the poor and vulnerable populations.
- In September 2015, 193 world leaders committed to achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and protect our planet by 2030. Health is central in the SDGs with Goal 3 focused on improving health and well being for all, at all ages.
- The impact of NCDs have been recognised worldwide – and the SDGs aim to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030 (SDG target 3.4).
- In India, NCDs are estimated to account for 60% of all deaths.
- India stands to lose $4.58 trillion before 2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions. Cardiovascular diseases, accounting for $2.17 trillion and mental health conditions ($1.03 trillion), will contribute to major economic losses. This is in stark contrast to the cost of action: $11 billion a year to implement a set of NCD “best buy” interventions in all developing countries.