Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Prevention is better Than Cure

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use are the leading modifiable risk factors for NCDs. Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity contributes to obesity. NCDs are now a major public health concern to individual quality of life and longevity. The World Health Organization has set some global strategies giving priorities on increasing surveillance system, improving public awareness and facilitating quality of care for chronic diseased cases to reduce the burden of NCDs. Political commitments to strengthening health systems, effective interventions, sufficient available resources and health equity are required to give more focus on preventive and control measures of non-communicable diseases.