The latest United Nations World Health Statistics report has shed light on the stark reality of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), revealing a concerning escalation in their prevalence and impact. Often referred to as “the silent pandemic,” NCDs contribute to over 41 million deaths annually, disproportionately affecting the world’s most impoverished communities. The report underscores the need for urgent attention and action to address this growing health crisis.
Between 2000 and 2019, the number of deaths caused by NCDs surged by more than one third, rising from 31 million to 41 million, encompassing nearly three-quarters of all global deaths. Furthermore, NCDs were responsible for 63 percent of global disability-adjusted life years in 2019, demonstrating the profound burden they impose on individuals and societies worldwide.
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes collectively accounted for approximately 33.3 million deaths in 2019, marking a 28 percent increase compared to 2000. These statistics underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating NCD crisis and mitigate its far-reaching impact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the detrimental toll that NCDs exact on lives, livelihoods, health systems, communities, economies, and societies. According to the report, if current trends persist, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses are poised to contribute to a staggering 86 percent of the 90 million global deaths projected by 2050. This projection represents a monumental 90 percent increase in absolute numbers compared to 2019, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the NCD burden.
Despite prior health advancements, the WHO report signals a concerning stagnation in health progress on key indicators, deviating from the positive trends observed between 2000 and 2015. This stagnation underscores the imperative for renewed and intensified efforts to tackle the escalating prevalence of NCDs and their multifaceted impacts.
The findings of the United Nations World Health Statistics report send a clear and urgent message about the severity of the NCD crisis, urging stakeholders across the globe to prioritize and address this looming health threat. With the current trajectory indicating an alarming increase in the burden of NCDs, concerted and sustained action at international, national, and community levels is essential to mitigate the far-reaching impact of these diseases and safeguard global health and well-being.
