Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are conditions which are not infectious, such as heart disease, diabetes and mental health. Although this broad classification includes conditions such as musculo-skeletal problems and some dermatological conditions, four main NCDs have been focused upon - chronic heart diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer. These four priority conditions are often, although not always, linked with lifestyle.
NCDs are no longer a subgroup of diseases that can be classified as exclusive to developed nations which has previously been a common misconception. They are being seen in the global south in epidemic and ever growing proportions, where 80% of NCD deaths occur. Moreover, the four priority NCDs are estimated to account for 66.5% of all years lived with disability in low and middle-income countries. Given this growing need for the international community to recognise and address the scale of this problem, a UN High Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs was held in September 2011 which gave rise to a political declaration on NCDs agreed by all nations. This meeting was the first High Level Meeting focusing upon a health issue since HIV and AIDS in 2001.
The overwhelming focus on NCDs has been on prevention, largely by targeting the four main risk factors - smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and reduced physical activity amongst populations. When treatment for NCDs is considered, this is often presented in terms of preventing mortality, rather than focusing on morbidity and the potentially disabling implications of living with an NCD. Additionally, people with disabilities can be a particularly vulnerable high risk group for NCDs. There is a need for enhanced collaboration among actors who advocate for disability issues within NCDs. It is essential that rehabilitation is included in the continuum of care for people living with NCDs, and that NCD programming and policy developments are inclusive. This is supported by article 25 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
This keylist aims to raise awareness on the issue of NCDs and disability, providing access to key documents, tools and resources to support development practitioners, service providers, policy makers and people with disabilities. We welcome your suggestions: please send comments or suggested additions to sourceassistant@hi-uk.org.
September 2012
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2011
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2010
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May 2012
