Chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are steadily increasing around the world, and developing countries are bearing much of the cost with 80 percent of deaths occurring there. NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and lung disorders are expected to cause three-quarters of the disease burden in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.
NCDs cause untold pain, suffering, disability and hardship for millions of people. In addition, the economic costs are staggering, both in terms of lost productivity and rising health care expenses. Unless action is taken to reduce the toll of NCDs, a World Bank study estimates NCDs will cost the global economy about $35 trillion from 2005 to 2030. A number of NIH research and research training programs are working to address these health issues.
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