32m lives lost yearly to NCDs in low-and middle-income countries

The World Health Organization has said in a new report that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for the majority of global deaths, while more than one billion people live with mental health conditions.

This new report released on Thursday by the organization with the title: “Saving lives, spending less”, revealed that an additional investment of just US$3 per person annually in NCDs could yield economic benefits of up to US$1 trillion by 2030.

Alongside the report was published, WHO shared new analysis of country-level progress in reducing NCD mortality between 2010 and 2019.
While 82% of countries achieved reductions during this period, the rate of progress has slowed significantly across most regions, with some countries even experiencing a resurgence in NCD-related deaths.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said, “Noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions are silent killers, robbing us of lives and innovation. We have the tools to save lives and reduce suffering.

He added, “Countries like Denmark, South Korea, and Moldova are leading the way, while others stalling. Investing in the fight against NCDs isn’t just smart economics—it’s an urgent necessity for thriving societies.”
NCDs include cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes, among others.

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are also highly prevalent across all countries and communities, affecting people of all ages and income levels. Without urgent and sustained action to tackle these, millions more lives will be lost prematurely.

While the majority of countries made progress in reducing the risk of dying prematurely from an NCD between 2010 and 2019, 60% experienced a slowdown in progress compared to the previous decade.
Denmark recorded the largest improvements for both sexes. Among countries in other regions, NCD mortality also declined for both sexes in China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil.

The biggest gains were driven by declines in cardiovascular disease and certain cancers—such as stomach and colorectal cancers for both sexes, cervical and breast cancers for women, and lung and prostate cancers for men.

In contrast, pancreatic, liver cancers and neurological conditions contributed to rising mortality in many countries.

Solutions to tackle NCDs and promote mental health and well-being are both affordable and highly cost-effective. Yet, governments often face intense lobbying from powerful industries whose products contribute to disease.
Tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food companies frequently attempt to block, weaken, or delay life-saving policies—ranging from health taxes to marketing restrictions aimed at protecting children.

WHO called on leaders, partners, and communities to advocate for concrete actions, including: funding and implementing WHO’s ‘Best Buys’, adapted to national needs; taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks;

Also, strengthening primary health care for prevention, early detection and treatment; protecting children from harmful marketing; expanding access to essential medicines and technologies;

“Securing financing through domestic budgets, health taxes and targeted aid; setting bold targets and track progress with strong accountability; stopping industry interference in health policy”.