Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes represent a major challenge for sustainable development and the achievement of Agenda 2030. They hamper social and economic development, increase inequalities, and perpetuate poverty.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year NCDs contribute to the deaths of 17 million people under the age of 70, with 86% of these premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.