THE GLOBAL BURDEN OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: EPIDEMIOLOGY, RISK FACTORS, PREVENTION STRATEGIES, AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, representing one of the greatest public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Unlike infectious diseases, NCDs develop gradually and are often associated with long-term exposure to behavioral, environmental, and metabolic risk factors. Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory diseases account for the majority of NCD-related deaths globally. The increasing prevalence of these conditions places substantial pressure on healthcare systems, economies, and societies. This article examines the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases, explores their major risk factors, discusses current prevention strategies, and highlights future challenges in reducing the global burden of NCDs.