Non-communicable Diseases: An Emerging Epidemic in Nigeria

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) include cardiovascular diseases, mental illnesses, diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cancers. Globally, NCDs are responsible for 41 million deaths each year, which is a staggering 74% of all deaths. Furthermore, 17 million people die from NCDs before they reach the age of 70, and 86% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. As for NCD deaths, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for most (~18 million), followed by cancer (9 million), chronic respiratory diseases (~ 4 million), and diabetes mellitus including diabetic nephropathy (2 million). Put together, these four groups of diseases account for over 80% of all premature NCD deaths. NCDs do pose a threat to progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a target of reducing the probability of death from any of the four main NCDs between ages 30 and 70 years by one-third by 2030. In many low- and lower-middle-
income countries, most health services and medications are still purchased out of pocket or by donors. Healthcare costs for NCDs quickly deplete household resources with attendant serious consequences. The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including treatment, which is often lengthy and expensive, combined with a loss of income, force millions of people into poverty annually and stymie national development. What’s more, adults who
have grown up amid widespread poverty and deprivation are more likely to suffer functional declines from NCDs at younger ages.