Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs):
NCDs, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are the leading cause of mortality in the world. This invisible epidemic is an under-appreciated cause of poverty and hinders the economic development of many countries.
fact buffet
Total NCD mortality
36 millionof the 57 million global deaths in 2008 were due to NCDs.
Total NCD mortalityPremature NCD mortality
29%of NCD deaths in low- and middle-income countries in 2008 occurred before the age of 60.
Premature NCD mortalityThe Global Health Observatory theme pages provide data and analyses on global health priorities. Each theme page provides information on global situation and trends highlights, using core indicators, database views, major publications and links to relevant web pages on the theme.