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Overview:

Non-communicable diseases or NCDs have in the past 20 years overtaken infectious diseases as the leading cause of death worldwide. They need to be addressed to ensure individual well-being, economic progress and health equity. The blog explains all there is to know about NCDs.

Across the globe, there is a changing trend in disease incidence. Earlier, the mortality from infectious (communicable) diseases like HIV dominated. Since the 1990s, however, there has been a shift. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, stroke, etc. have emerged as the leading causes of death in India. These chronic conditions often necessitate long-term care. Non-communicable diseases are those conditions which do not spread from person-to-person. They are brought on by a combination of factors including lifestyle, family history, environmental factors, etc. The social determinants of health too are said to play a key role in their incidence. Therefore, people from low- and middle-income countries are more at risk of developing NCDs.

Some Facts on NCDs

• Based on data from the World Health Organization, NCDs account for around 41 million deaths worldwide in a year.
• In South East Asia, 62% of people fall victim to NCDs.
• Premature deaths are also attributed to NCDs. (Premature death refers to death before a person reaches 70 years of age.)
• Among the NCDs, cardiovascular diseases contribute to the majority of the deaths. This is followed by cancer, chronic respiratory disorder and diabetes.
• Together, the above 4 conditions are responsible for 80% of premature deaths due to NCDs.
• Bad diet, lack of exercise, smoking, drinking and air pollution are the modifiable risk factors that increase NCD risk.
• Research shows that 80% of NCDs are preventable.

While India has introduced programs to tackle the NCD menace, their implementation remains a challenge. Especially in urban informal sectors, lack of awareness, affordability challenges and non-adherence to treatment have increased the NCD threat.

The Top 5 NCDs

• Cardiovascular diseases are those that affect the heart and blood vessels. This includes the often-heard conditions of heart attack and stroke. Globally, 18 million deaths are attributed to these conditions, with a third of these deaths happening prematurely.
• Cancer is another NCD that claims 10 million lives every year. Though the global incidence of cancers is on the rise, prevention and early detection can significantly reduce cancer burden.
• Chronic respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma, etc. cause 4 million deaths worldwide annually, yet, they are under diagnosed and under treated. Lung health needs just as much attention as other health indicators.
• Diabetes is said to be the 4^th or 5^th leading cause of death in developed countries. In India, it is estimated that around 77 million people are afflicted with the condition. Unfortunately, most of the population is unaware that they even have diabetes which leads to many health complications.
• Mental health conditions are increasingly being recognized as NCDs. This is because mental health conditions can lead to bad lifestyle, bad diet, reduced physical activity, etc., all of which contribute to the development of other NCDs. They can also impact the treatment of NCDs.

More Than a Health Issue

NCDs are a human rights issue because they affect the poor and vulnerable sections of society a lot more. The country’s economy, its cultural practices, health policies, etc. play a role in the development of NCDs. People living in low- and middle-income countries generally find accessing healthcare resources difficult. Even if they have accessibility, treatment may be affected by financial constraints. In most such countries, people pay out of their pockets for medical treatment and face great financial challenges. This not only pushes people into poverty, but also further impoverishes those already in poverty. If the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations are to be met by 2030, it is crucial that the burden of NCDs be addressed.

Addressing NCDs Is an Obligation, not a Choice

Though healthcare industry leaders have for a long time now been trying to raise awareness on NCDs, there is still a lot that needs to be done.

• Government Investment:

  While after the pandemic, the government has increased investment into healthcare, financing for NCDs still remains woefully low. There may be a number of reasons as to why NCDs are ignored.
  • Other health conditions are often prioritized over NCDs.
  • Lack of sufficient data on NCD risk factors makes charting out plans difficult.
  • The government has put into place many policies regarding NCDs but has not checked their implementation.
  • Urban healthcare systems are often overburdened and rural ones may lack the necessary infrastructure and skilled workforce to manage NCDs.
  • Lack of coordination between government hospitals, private hospitals and NGOs further exacerbates the issue.
  • Traditionally, the spotlight is usually on curative care and not on prevention and awareness, both of which can significantly reduce the NCD burden.

There is a strong need for investment in NCDs to be increased. While the unfortunate yet staggering mortality worldwide is enough reason for investment, the devastating economic impact from the direct and indirect costs of NCDs further emphasizes that we can no longer put NCDs in the backburner.

• Strengthening Health Systems:

  If we are to successfully address NCDs, we need to strengthen health systems.
  • The WHO has given 6 six building blocks for health systems.
  • These include leadership and governance, service delivery, health system financing, health workforce, medical products and health information systems.
  • Strengthening these along with improving the social determinants of health is essential to bring down NCDs incidence.

• People’s Role:

  • If there is a silver lining when discussing NCDs, it is that people can modify some of the risk factors to improve their chances of maintaining good health.
  • Most of these are factors are well-known to everyone: quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating a healthy diet and exercising.
  • Along with the above, people need to practice techniques to manage stress and make sure they get enough sleep.
  • Being aware of family history and getting preventive health checks as advised by the doctor are both essential to detect incipient conditions.

NCDs can be controlled. All it takes is commitment and a collective effort.

Key FAQs About Non-Communicable Diseases in India

What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

Non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions that do not spread from person to person. They develop due to factors like lifestyle habits, genetics, environment, and social determinants of health.

Why are NCDs increasing in India?

NCDs are rising in India due to urbanization, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, alcohol use, air pollution, and lack of preventive healthcare, especially in low-income and informal sectors.

What are the top 5 non-communicable diseases in India?

The top 5 NCDs in India are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental health conditions. These diseases account for the majority of premature deaths.

Can non-communicable diseases be prevented?

Yes, nearly 80% of NCDs are preventable by modifying lifestyle factors like quitting smoking, eating healthy, being physically active, avoiding alcohol, and managing stress.

Why is early detection of NCDs important?

Early detection allows timely intervention, which can prevent complications, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for people with chronic conditions.

Why are mental health conditions considered NCDs?

Mental health conditions are categorized as NCDs because they are chronic, affect lifestyle habits, increase the risk of other NCDs, and interfere with treatment adherence.

What can individuals do to reduce their risk of NCDs?

Individuals can reduce their risk of NCDs by avoiding tobacco and alcohol, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and scheduling regular health check-ups.