Developing countries hardest-hit by NCDs-WHO

A large proportion of the 16 million people who die from non-communicable diseases(NCD) each year before the age of 70 are in low and middle income countries.
This is according to a new report on non-communicable diseases, released today by the World Health Organization.
The lead author of the report Dr Shanthi Mendes has told UN Radio that the NCD epidemic poses a much greater public health threat than any other known to humankind.
She adds that the most common NCDs are cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses and diabetes.
The four major risk factors for the diseases are tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet.
Dr Mendes describes non-communicable diseases as “a slow motion public health disaster rapidly gaining speed and momentum in a frightening manner.”