Rising threat of noncommunicable diseases and how healthy lifestyles can save lives

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are medical conditions not spread through infection or contact, include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. These diseases typically result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors and remain the leading causes of death and disability globally.

NCDs are driven by five key risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and air pollution.

The growing epidemic of NCDs has severe health impacts on individuals, families, and communities, while also placing immense pressure on healthcare systems.

The economic burden of NCDs also highlights the urgent need for prevention and control, making it a critical development priority in the 21st century.

Despite being largely preventable, efforts to address these conditions are often hindered by aggressive marketing, industry lobbying, and policy interference, which obstruct the implementation of cost-effective prevention and control measures.

Among these, neurological conditions have emerged as a significant concern and are now the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). These disorders, including migraines, strokes, and dementia, affect millions of people and highlight severe healthcare inequalities, with over 80% of neurological deaths and disabilities occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

More than 75% of all deaths from NCDs, including 86% of the 17 million people who die prematurely before the age of 70, occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, disrupting normal bodily and mental functions. They range from common issues like chronic headaches and migraines to severe conditions such as strokes, which result from blocked blood flow to the brain, causing lasting damage.

Epilepsy, characterised by recurring seizures, and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which causes memory loss and cognitive decline, are widespread. Other conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, impair movement, while multiple sclerosis (MS) disrupts communication between the brain and the body.

Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, leads to pain, weakness, or numbness, often in the hands and feet. More severe conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gradually weaken muscles by damaging nerve cells. Additionally, neurological infections such as meningitis, brain tumours, and disorders resulting from ageing or injuries further contribute to the global burden.

Research shows that one in three people is now affected by neurological disorders. At the same time, there is an alarming rise in diabetes cases, with over 800 million people globally living with the condition. These trends underscore the urgent need for improved access to healthcare, preventative measures, and research to mitigate the growing impact of these diseases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) outlines several strategies to prevent NCDs. These strategies focus on addressing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviours to reduce the global burden of NCDs:

Promote healthy lifestyles

Healthy Diet: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.

Avoid Harmful Substances: Prevent tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and substance abuse.

Control Common Risk Factors

Tobacco Control: Implement policies like smoke-free environments, increased taxes on tobacco, and public education campaigns.

Reduce Alcohol Use: Raise awareness, limit availability, and impose higher taxes on alcoholic products.

Address Unhealthy Diets: Promote clear labelling, regulate food marketing to children, and encourage reduced salt and sugar intake.

Improve Air Quality: Reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Enhance healthcare systems

Early Detection and Screening: Provide accessible screening for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer to ensure early intervention.

Integrated Care: Offer affordable, quality primary healthcare services for NCD management.

Strengthen Universal Health Coverage: Ensure equitable access to essential medicines and health services.

Policy and Legislation

Taxation: Increase taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages to discourage consumption.

Advertising and Marketing Restrictions: Limit the advertising of unhealthy products, particularly to vulnerable groups like children.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about the risks of NCDs and promote healthy choices.

Create Supportive Environments

Encourage Physical Activity: Build safe parks, walking paths, and cycle lanes to promote active lifestyles.

Improve Access to Healthy Foods: Support local markets and policies that make fresh and nutritious food more affordable.

Workplace Wellness Programmes: Promote healthier habits in work environments.

Community Engagement

Education: Empower individuals and communities with knowledge about NCD risk factors and prevention strategies.

Advocacy: Involve civil society and local leaders to promote health initiatives.

Monitor and Evaluate

Surveillance: Strengthen systems to track NCD prevalence and risk factors.

Evaluate Interventions: Continuously assess and improve prevention programmes for effectiveness.