New Delhi: A global analysis published in The Lancet has revealed that India is among the few countries where the risk of dying from chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes has increased, even as most nations recorded a decline in the last decade.
The study, led by researchers at the UK’s Imperial College London in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), assessed premature mortality risks from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across 185 countries and territories.
Between 2010 and 2019, the probability of dying from an NCD before the age of 80 decreased in 82% of countries for women and 79% for men, but India, along with Papua New Guinea, showed increases for both sexes. Notably, women in India faced a higher rise in risk compared to men.
Researchers noted that deaths from heart disease and diabetes surged significantly in India, while many other countries — including China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil — saw declines in mortality rates from such conditions.
Globally, reductions in deaths from cancer and heart disease have been the biggest contributors to progress, but gains were offset by rising deaths from dementia, alcohol-related disorders, and cancers of the pancreas and liver, the study added.
The findings come ahead of the UN General Assembly’s fourth high-level meeting on NCDs scheduled for September 25, where world leaders will review progress and set new goals to reduce premature deaths and promote mental health as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The researchers stressed the urgent need for greater investment in chronic disease treatment and prevention, particularly in countries like India, where risks are climbing despite global improvements.
