From 10 to 11 July 2014, world leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly to assess efforts made since 2011 in controlling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, the new WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Country Profiles 2014 show progress has been insufficient and uneven.
The report provides an updated overview of the NCD situation, including recent trends in mortality and government responses in 194 countries. It assesses each Member State’s unique situation in face of the growing threat posed by NCDs.
The country profiles include estimates on the current burden and recent trends in NCD deaths and risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, high blood pressure and obesity. The profiles also assess countries’ capacity to take action.
Worldwide, 38 million people (28 million in developing countries) die from NCDs yearly, nearly 16 million of them prematurely – before they reach the age of 70. This has profound implications for communities, health systems and social and economic development.
The report shows that in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, NCDs account for 2.2 million deaths. In the majority of countries, NCDs are the largest contributors of mortality. Fifty-seven percent of deaths in this Region are attributed to NCDs. Without serious action, the number of people dying from noncommunicable diseases will surpass 3.8 million in 2030.
NCDs continue to be part of our strategic priority, with the Global Strategy providing the vision while the UN Political Declaration on NCDs and the regional framework for action to implement the Declaration provides the roadmap for implementation.
Related links
UN Political Declaration on NCDs
Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2020
