Non Communicable diseases were known as diseases of the rich. Now, they are no longer because two -thirds of global annual deaths are from low and middle income countries.

In 2017, more than 70% of global deaths were due to non communicable diseases namely cardiovascular diseases, (such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke), diabetes (Type 1, Type 2), Cancers (All Cancers) Chronic Respiratory Diseases and other NCDs that are not part of these four major categories.

The four major categories are caused by their risk factors namely physical inactivity, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and alcohol misuse. The causes of these causes include the great forces of demographic aging, globalization and urbanization. Stress has also been implicated in the rising trends and Mental Health Disorders and Pollution have been included into the major NCDs and risk factors respectively.

NCDs are defined as diseases that cannot be transmitted from one person to another, unlike COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. They are auto developed. Self developed. They are usually of long duration and slow progression. They constitute a major source of pain to individuals, families and economies.

The key question is not about knowing these facts-  but that literacy should be backed by action to reduce the burden caused by NCDs to the society.