Four out of five deaths occur from non-communicable diseases occur in poor countries

Nearly four out of five deaths due to non communicable diseases (NCD) worldwide are recorded in low and middle-income countries and these diseases include cardiovascular problems, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases.

This was contained in the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) 2012 World Population Data Sheet made available to the GNA.

The report showed that while the number of people suffering and dying from NCDs would continue to increase around the world over the next several decades, the greatest increases are expected in low-income countries.

It said by 2030 almost half of all deaths in sub-Saharan Africa would be from NCDs while between 2008 and 2030 three-quarters of all NCD related deaths would be recorded in South Asia.