Global Decline in Noncommunicable Disease Mortality from 2010 to 2019

Between 2010 and 2019, there was a notable decrease in mortality rates caused by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) across most countries worldwide. A comprehensive study published in The Lancet analyzed data from 185 countries, revealing that the likelihood of dying from an NCD before age 80 fell in approximately 82% of nations for women and 79% for men during this period. While many countries experienced significant improvements, some, representing around 18-21%, saw an increase in NCD-related deaths.

High-income Western countries showed consistent declines in NCD mortality, with Denmark exhibiting the largest reductions. Conversely, the United States experienced the smallest decline among these nations. The primary driver behind these reductions was the decreasing mortality from circulatory diseases. However, increases in neuropsychiatric conditions, pancreatic, and liver cancers contributed to persistent challenges in some regions.

Despite overall progress, certain regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, East and Southeast Asia, and South Asia faced stagnation or deterioration in NCD mortality rates compared to previous years. The study emphasizes that reducing NCD mortality is achievable even in countries with initially high or low baseline rates, highlighting ongoing opportunities for global health improvement.

This research underscores the importance of targeted interventions and health policies to continue declining NCD-related deaths worldwide, ultimately improving population health outcomes.