Invisible numbers

Noncommunicable diseases cause nearly three quarters of deaths in the world. There are four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke), cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease. Their drivers are social, environment, commercial and genetic, and their presence is global.

This report reminds us the true scale of the threat posed by NCDs and their risk factors. It also sheds light on what we can do about them. The data paint a clear picture. The problem is that the world isn’t looking at it.

By seeing the invisible, you can be the change.

The noncommunicable diseases data portal aims to raise awareness on progress in tackling NCDs and their risk factors and strengthen accountability for action by countries. It displays data to highlight current status of NCD mortality, morbidity and risk factor exposures, and track global and national progress against key targets, identify common challenges, and signpost useful resources.

NCDs are a problem for all countries. However, there is a silver lining to the problem: it means that there can be strong political interest in finding solutions at both the national and international level.

WHO has been working in this space for decades and has extensive technical resources, guidance and mechanisms to support the prevention and management of NCDs.

The WHO technical packages are appropriate for use in every country, including in low-income and humanitarian settings. Each one outlines the evidence and rationale for intervention, with guidance and toolkits on how best to implement each step.