Global Findings Highlight a Major Health Shift
India’s Rising Non-Communicable Disease Burden: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report, released by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the World Health Summit in Berlin, reveals that India’s health landscape has undergone a significant transformation. From 1990 to 2023, the dominance of infectious diseases has declined, giving way to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as the leading causes of death in the country.
This shift marks a critical public health milestone for a nation that once grappled with communicable epidemics such as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.
Understanding Non-Communicable Diseases
NCDs are chronic illnesses that are not transmitted from person to person. They include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. These diseases are long-term and arise from genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and physiological factors.
Globally, NCDs now account for nearly two-thirds of total mortality and morbidity. India mirrors this global trend, with an alarming rise in heart-related deaths, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
Static GK fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that NCDs cause 74% of global deaths, making them the single largest health threat worldwide.
Key Drivers Behind the NCD Surge
The GBD Report (2025) identifies several major contributors. Air pollution remains among India’s top three causes of early death and disability, while unhealthy diets, tobacco use, physical inactivity, and stress also play pivotal roles.
Between 2013 and 2023, mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression recorded a sharp increase. The growing urban lifestyle, longer working hours, and reduced physical activity have worsened India’s disease profile.
Static GK Tip: According to WHO, India ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest disease burden from air pollution.
India’s Response to the NCD Challenge
India has launched multiple national programs and campaigns to address the rising NCD crisis. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), started in 2010, aims to reduce premature mortality and improve healthcare access.
The Eat Right India Movement, initiated by FSSAI, encourages balanced nutrition and healthier food choices. Similarly, the Fit India Movement (2019) promotes regular physical activity and awareness about lifestyle diseases.
The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), launched in 2007–08, has made strides in raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and implementing regulatory measures to curb its use.
Static GK fact: The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to regulate food quality and promote healthy dietary habits.
Way Forward
India’s growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases demands integrated policy efforts, improved urban health planning, and a stronger focus on preventive care. With proper public health awareness, lifestyle modification, and sustained government initiatives, India can move toward a healthier, NCD-resilient future.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Rising Non-Communicable Disease Burden:
| Topic | Detail |
| Report Released By | Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) |
| Event | World Health Summit, Berlin |
| Major Trend | Shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases |
| Period Covered | 1990–2023 |
| Key Risk Factors | Air pollution, diet, tobacco, stress, physical inactivity |
| Key Programmes | NPCDCS, NTCP, Fit India Movement, Eat Right India |
| Year of NPCDCS Launch | 2010 |
| WHO Estimate on NCD Deaths | 74% of global deaths |
| Leading Mental Health Issues | Anxiety and depression |
| Static GK Source | WHO, FSSAI, IHME Reports |
