Non-Communicable Diseases

According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic illnesses, are rising and account for 74 percent of deaths globally. Over three-quarters of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries. 

The most common NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. They are often chronic and are caused by a combination of genetic, behavioral, psychological, and environmental factors, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and pollution. 

Many risk factors contributing to the burden of NCDs are modifiable at the individual and systemic levels and should be considered in guiding policy recommendations and priorities. In addition to national initiatives such as universal health coverage and improved access to healthcare services, priorities should include preventative measures such as patient education and increased screening, and lifestyle changes. 

Addiction

Addiction or substance use disorder is considered a chronic mental illness. Addictive substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, such as amphetamines, cocaine, and opioids, cause 11.8 million preventable deaths globally each year, either directly from an overdose or indirectly due to increased risk of disease and injury. Besides the illnesses and deaths caused by addiction, consequences include social and economic losses to individuals and society.

In 2005, the WHO introduced a policy package called MPOWER that includes effective interventions to monitor tobacco use, protect people against smoke, offer help to quit, warn about the dangers, enforce bans on tobacco advertising, and raise taxes on tobacco. Overall, countries that effectively implemented MPOWER policies reduced tobacco use. These are the kinds of interventions that truly bring about change in society. We aim to identify and streamline practical interventions that can be efficiently implemented on a global scale.