Putting a Face on Cancer and Other NCDs
By: Loyce Pace Bass and Kira O'Connor
In one way or another, we are all affected by cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. Whether you, a friend or a family member has a non-communicable disease (NCD), NCDs affect everyone. NCDs are the world’s leading silent killer. In fact, NCDs count for two out of three deaths each year worldwide. By 2030, eight out of 10 leading causes of death will be linked to NCDs. We are facing a global epidemic. The numbers are staggering yet not enough is being done to prevent, combat and manage these diseases. We need to examine the need for immediate action against the NCD pandemic, the consequences if action is not taken, and the importance of the United Nations High-level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases in September 2011. More importantly, let’s consider the people who are affected by lifesaving policies and programs and the impact of meaningful government and civil-society commitments at the UN and beyond.
