Lancet study (2025) assessed global progress in reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across 185 countries (2010–2019). While global NCD mortality declined, India recorded a rise — highlighting a concerning reversal in progress before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Findings
India-Specific Trends
Increased Mortality:
- India saw a rise in NCD-related deaths between 2010–2019, particularly from heart disease, diabetes, and cancers.
Gender & Age Impact:
- Women (≥40 years) and men (≥55 years) are the most affected groups.
Probability of Dying (Before Age 80):
- Women: 46.7% (2001) → 46.6% (2011) → 48.7% (2019)
- Men: Smaller but notable increase.
Reasons for Rising Mortality:
- Poor control of lifestyle diseases
- Low awareness & limited screening coverage
- Urban pollution & sedentary lifestyles
Positive Trend:
- Slight improvements in deaths from COPD, liver cirrhosis, and ischaemic heart disease due to better diagnosis and treatment access.
Global Comparison
Overall Decline (2010–2019):
- NCD death rates fell in 152 countries for women (82%) and 147 countries for men (79%).
Top Performers:
- Denmark (best improvement), USA (least among developed nations).
Countries with Gains:
- China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, Brazil.
Countries with Increases:
- India and Papua New Guinea (for both sexes).
Leading Global Improvements:
- Reduction in cardiovascular and cancer deaths due to better prevention and treatment.
Areas of Concern:
- Rise in deaths from mental, neurological disorders, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
Data Reliability:
- India’s mortality data classified as “very low quality”, indicating under-reporting and data gaps.
Comparative Progress by Decade
- 41% of countries (women) and 39% (men) showed faster NCD mortality improvement in 2010–2019 vs. the previous decade.
- Russia & Egypt improved for both sexes; India, China, Brazil improved only for men.
About Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
| Aspect | Details |
| Definition | Chronic diseases not transmissible person-to-person |
| Major Types | Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes |
| Share in India’s Deaths | 37.9% (1990) → 63% (2018) → ~61.8% (2016 WHO data) |
| Key Causes | Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco/alcohol use, pollution, stress, ageing |
| Vulnerable Groups | Urban poor, elderly, and women over 40 years |
India’s National Initiatives for NCD Control
| Scheme / Initiative | Key Objective |
| National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) (earlier NPCDCS) | Focus on prevention, early detection, and management of NCDs including cancer, diabetes, CVDs, and stroke. |
| Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) | Population-based NCD screening (hypertension, diabetes, breast, cervical, and oral cancer). |
| Fit India Movement (2019) | Encourages physical activity and healthy living. |
| Eat Right India (FSSAI) | Promotes safe, nutritious, and sustainable eating habits. |
| National Health Mission (NHM) | Strengthens primary health infrastructure for screening and referral of NCDs. |
| ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) | Mobilise community awareness, promote lifestyle modification, and ensure follow-ups. |
Way Forward
- Data Improvement: Establish a robust national mortality registry and digital health data integration for accurate NCD monitoring.
- Integrated Primary Healthcare: Early detection through AB-HWCs and digital health records.
- Fiscal Policies: Implement tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drink taxes (WHO “best buys”).
- Health Literacy: Community-based education programs focusing on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Urban Health Focus: Address pollution, sedentary work culture, and mental health.
Key Facts
| Topic | Key Facts |
| Publisher of Study | The Lancet – a leading UK-based medical journal (founded 1823, by Thomas Wakley). |
| Study Period | 2010–2019 (pre-COVID period). |
| Countries Covered | 185 countries. |
| Top Risk Factors for NCDs in India | High blood pressure, tobacco, unhealthy diet, high blood sugar, and air pollution. |
| Leading NCDs in India (WHO 2024) | Cardiovascular diseases (~28%), chronic respiratory diseases (~12%), cancers (~9%), diabetes (~3%). |
| Global Target (WHO 2030) | 30% reduction in premature NCD deaths (ages 30–70) from 2015 baseline. |
| UN SDG Goal 3.4 | “By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment.” |
| WHO “Best Buys” | Evidence-based low-cost NCD interventions (e.g., tobacco tax, salt reduction, promoting physical activity). |
| National NCD Day (India) | January 10 – observed to raise awareness about prevention and control. |
Significance for India
- India’s rising NCD burden poses a serious challenge to SDG 3 (Health & Well-being).
- Economic productivity is affected — estimated loss of $4.58 trillion (2012–2030) due to NCDs (WHO).
- Need for multi-sectoral collaboration between healthcare, education, agriculture, and urban planning to reverse the upward trend.