WHO Director-General launches report on on global status of noncommunicable diseases

 

...heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases are the biggest cause of premature mortality worldwide, with 82% of these deaths now occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The fact that most of these deaths could have been prevented sounds a loud and compelling call to action.

Since the start of this century, these diseases have become more prevalent. They have also become more democratic, driven as they are by universal pressures, like the global marketing of unhealthy products, rapid urbanization, and population ageing.

The marketing of unhealthy products, like cigarettes, alcohol, sugar-filled beverages, and foods that are rich in fat, sugar, and salt, is powerful and persuasive. Countering it needs attention and policies coming from the highest level of government.

 

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