The burden of NCDs

Understanding the global challenge

41 million

deaths each year from NCDs worldwide¹ ²

74%

of all global deaths are caused by NCDs¹

77%

of NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries³

$47 trillion

estimated global economic cost of NCDs between 2010–2030⁴ ⁵

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 41 million deaths every year — equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally.^{1 2} Including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes¹, these long-term conditions place a growing burden not only on individuals, but also health systems and economies across the world. Although they affect all countries, the burden is felt most heavily in low- and middle-income countries, where around 77% of NCD deaths occur.³

The most common NCDs

Cardiovascular diseases account for the majority of NCD deaths globally, followed by cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.¹ Combined, these conditions contribute to millions of premature deaths each year, including nearly 17 million before the age of 70 each year.²

The majority of non-communicable diseases are driven by preventable risk factors, making early, lifestyle-based interventions one of the most effective ways to reduce disease and premature death.¹ ²

Key risk factors for NCDs

Many NCDs share preventable risk factors that increase the risk of chronic disease over time ^{1 2}, with air pollution emerging as a major and growing driver of heart and lung disease worldwide.⁶

Tobacco use

Physical inactivity

Unhealthy diets

Harmful use of alcohol

Exposure to air pollution

A growing global challenge

Beyond their impact on health, NCDs also have significant economic consequences. The global cost of lost productivity linked to NCDs - reflecting the impact when people are unable to work or lose years of life due to illness - has been estimated at USD $47 trillion between 2010 and 2030, or more than USD $2 trillion per year.^{4 5}

Addressing this challenge requires prioritising prevention through policy and education, particularly among younger populations where many NCD-related behaviours begin.

Why a focus on adolescent health? Discover more

The burden of non-communicable diseases

Understanding the global challenge

41 million

74%

77%

$47 trillion

The most common NCDs

Cardiovascular diseases account for the majority of NCD deaths globally, followed by cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.¹ Combined, these conditions contribute to millions of premature deaths each year, including nearly 17 million before the age of 70 each year.²

The majority of non-communicable diseases are driven by preventable risk factors, making early, lifestyle-based interventions one of the most effective ways to reduce disease and premature death.¹ ²

Key risk factors for NCDs

Many NCDs share preventable risk factors that increase the risk of chronic disease over time ^{1 2}, with air pollution emerging as a major and growing driver of heart and lung disease worldwide.⁶

A growing global challenge

Addressing this challenge requires prioritising prevention through policy and education, particularly among younger populations where many NCD-related behaviours begin.

Read more about our work

The burden of non-communicable diseases

Understanding the global challenge

41 million

74%

77%

$47 trillion

The most common NCDs

Cardiovascular diseases account for the majority of NCD deaths globally, followed by cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.1 Combined, these conditions contribute to millions of premature deaths each year, including nearly 17 million before the age of 70 each year.2

The majority of non-communicable diseases are driven by preventable risk factors, making early, lifestyle-based interventions one of the most effective ways to reduce disease and premature death.¹ ²

Key risk factors for NCDs

Many NCDs share preventable risk factors that increase the risk of chronic disease over time 1 2, with air pollution emerging as a major and growing driver of heart and lung disease worldwide.6

A growing global challenge

Addressing this challenge requires prioritising prevention through policy and education, particularly among younger populations where many NCD-related behaviours begin.

Read more about our work

Community programmes

Advocacy

Research

Youth leadership

Cardiovascular diseases account for the majority of NCD deaths globally, followed by cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.¹ Combined, these conditions contribute to millions of premature deaths each year, including nearly 17 million before the age of 70 each year.²

Many NCDs share preventable risk factors that increase the risk of chronic disease over time ^{1 2}, with air pollution emerging as a major and growing driver of heart and lung disease worldwide.⁶