In a landmark report published in The Lancet, researchers reveal that while global mortality from chronic diseases saw a decline in the decade leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, progress has noticeably slowed. The comprehensive analysis, covering 185 countries from 2010 to 2019, highlights a reduction in death rates from conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke in four out of five countries. However, the pace of this decline has decelerated compared to the previous decade.
The study, spearheaded by Imperial College London and backed by the UK Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the NCD Alliance, underscores the need for renewed focus on effective health policies and programs. The findings suggest that although chronic disease deaths decreased in most regions, nearly 60% of countries experienced a slower rate of decline than in the previous decade.
Understanding the Global Landscape
The report is considered the most exhaustive assessment of global progress in reducing non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality at the national level. It benchmarks countries against their own past performances and their regional peers. Notably, reductions in cardiovascular disease deaths were significant contributors to the overall decline in chronic disease mortality. However, increases in deaths from dementia, alcohol use disorders, and certain cancers like pancreatic and liver cancer have offset these gains.
According to Professor Majid Ezzati, senior author of the study from Imperial College London, “Our latest report shows that while the majority of countries around the world are making progress to reduce the risk of dying from chronic disease, compared to the previous decade, progress has slowed, stalled or even reversed in some nations.”
“In many countries, effective healthcare programmes like medications for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol as well as timely cancer screening and heart attack treatment may not be reaching the people who need them, and they are being left out of the health system.” – Professor Majid Ezzati
Regional Insights and Disparities
The report provides a granular analysis of chronic disease mortality across different regions. High-income countries in Europe, North America, and the Pacific saw a general slowdown in progress. South Korea emerged as a standout performer, achieving significant reductions in mortality risk, especially among women. Conversely, the United States experienced the smallest decline among high-income nations, with progress stalling particularly among women.
In Central and Eastern Europe, countries like Moldova saw some of the greatest reductions in mortality, largely driven by declines in heart disease deaths. Meanwhile, in Latin America and the Caribbean, countries such as Chile and Colombia made notable progress, though others like Jamaica saw increases in mortality rates.
India and China presented contrasting pictures; while India experienced an increase in chronic disease mortality, China achieved declines similar to those in Japan and South Korea, particularly in reducing deaths related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Challenges and the Path Forward
The slowdown in progress is attributed to several factors, including a plateau in national screening and preventative medication programs for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. The report emphasizes the need for investment in healthcare programs and policies that have proven effective in the past, such as tobacco and alcohol control measures.
“These data reveal a complex global picture of non-communicable diseases. Encouraging progress is evident in some areas, such as declining mortality from certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Yet the overall burden remains unacceptably high.” – Leanne Riley, WHO
The authors of the report will convene with global health experts at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) to discuss these findings and strategize on accelerating efforts to combat NCDs. The meeting aims to reignite momentum and ensure equitable access to care worldwide.
Implications and Future Directions
The report’s findings call for a renewed commitment to evidence-based policies and healthcare programs. Countries that have successfully reduced chronic disease mortality have done so through comprehensive approaches involving early detection, preventative measures, and timely treatment. The study highlights the importance of maintaining and expanding these initiatives to sustain progress.
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the findings serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by chronic diseases. The need for robust healthcare systems and policies that prioritize prevention and equitable access to care is more critical than ever.
The research was supported by funding from the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and NCD Alliance, with additional support from the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre. The study, titled “Benchmarking progress in non-communicable diseases: a global analysis of cause-specific mortality from 2001 to 2019,” is available in The Lancet.
