About Global NCDs

The Leading Cause of Death

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes, are the leading cause of death worldwide and represent an emerging global health threat. Deaths from NCDs now exceed all communicable disease deaths combined. NCDs kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to over 7 out of 10 deaths worldwide.¹ Changing social, economic, and structural factors such as more people moving to cities and the spread of unhealthy lifestyles have fueled the NCD crisis that kills 15 million people prematurely—before the age of 70—each year.²

A Global Burden

While NCD deaths typically occur later in life in high-income countries, in low- and middle-income countries NCDs often affect working age people, leading to high healthcare costs, limited ability to work, and financial insecurity.^1,2 High rates of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries also perpetuate poverty, strain economic development, and burden fragile health systems,^1,3 making these countries less resilient when emergencies like infectious disease outbreaks or natural disasters occur.

NCDs in developing countries affect U.S. national interests. Countries with healthier populations are more stable and prosperous, more viable trading partners, and better able to avoid health crises and outbreaks. Addressing NCDs enhances global economic and health security and supports progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.