Global Noncommunicable Diseases — Where Worlds Meet

Abstract

Like climate change, the relentless worldwide spread of noncommunicable diseases offers an opportunity for low-, middle-, and high-income countries to join forces in addressing a major global challenge that threatens health and economies alike. A recent report from the World Health Organization1 identified six risk factors associated with noncommunicable diseases as the leading global risk factors for death: high blood pressure, tobacco use, high blood glucose levels, physical inactivity, overweight or obesity, and high cholesterol levels. Together, these factors contribute to a large proportion of the deaths resulting from cardiovascular diseases, metabolic causes, and cancer (see table). Moreover, they pervade . . .