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What can we do?
Our vision for action is based on three pillars: surveillance–monitor NCDs and risk factors, and the health system response, prevention–prevent and reduce risk factors, and health care–offer treatment for people with NCDs and risk factors. NCD prevention and control requires coordinated actions across all sectors of society, and implementation of cost-effective interventions known as “best buys”.
What is the regional burden?
NCDs are the top killers in this Region, claiming over 2.2 million lives in 2012, over 57% of all deaths. The four main NCDs cause over 1.7 million deaths, or 77% of all NCD deaths. Future projections show an alarming increase; the four main NCDs will cause 2.4 million deaths in 2025, unless serious action is taken.
What causes NCDs?
The four main NCDs are caused, to a large extent, by four modifiable behavioural risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. These unhealthy behaviours lead to four key metabolic/biological changes that increase the risk of NCDs: raised blood pressure, overweight/obesity, high blood glucose levels/diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood).
