NCD stands for Non-Communicable Disease. It is a term used to classify a wide range of medical conditions or health disorders that are generally non-infectious and non-transmissible between people. NCDs are typically chronic conditions that develop over time and progress slowly, often persisting over a prolonged duration, and they are not caused by infectious agents like bacteria or viruses.
Examples of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases (such as heart disease and stroke), cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and mental health disorders (like depression and anxiety). Other prevalent NCDs also include chronic kidney diseases, musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis and osteoporosis), and neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy).
NCDs are a growing global health concern, affecting individuals across all age groups, socioeconomic statuses, and geographic locations. Risk factors for NCDs can vary but commonly include such elements as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and exposure to environmental pollutants. NCDs are known to cause a significant burden on public health, both in terms of individual suffering and the overall strain on healthcare systems.
Efforts to prevent and control NCDs involve a combination of various strategies, including health promotion and education, encouraging healthy lifestyles, policies to reduce risk factors, early detection and screening, appropriate treatment, and rehabilitation services.
