Authors
1 Associate Professor, Health Service Management, Health Management and Economic Researches Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
2 PhD Student, Student Research Committee, Health Service Management, Health Management and Economic Researches Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 PhD Student, Student Research Committee, Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) annually kill over 35 million people
worldwide. They are responsible for nearly two-thirds of the world's deaths. Global health is
facing a dramatic change. For the first time in human history, more than 80% of NCD-related
deaths are in low- and middle-income countries. Countries throughout the world are expected to
lose significant amounts of national income as a result of chronic diseases. The World Health
Organization (WHO) announced that NCDs are expected to threaten the lives of 25 million
people across the Middle East by 2015. The increased incidence of chronic diseases and
epidemiological transition phenomenon in Iran would impose the country with the economic
burden of chronic disease. This study aimed to review health and economic burden caused by this
global problem.
Methods: This study evaluated challenges and strategies to combat NCDs through reviewing
available literature in digital and printed libraries from various scientific journals and reputable
websites including Center for disease Control and prevention (CDC) and the WHO.
Results: NCDs kill over 35 million people each year and thus threaten the development of
countries. NCDs affect the poor and vulnerable population and make them even poorer. NCDS can
be controlled through preventing their risk factors and benefiting from experiences of other
countries.
Keywords
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