Decline in Noncommunicable Disease Mortality Worldwide from 2010 to 2019

A recent study published in The Lancet reveals a significant decrease in noncommunicable disease (NCD) mortality across various nations from 2010 to 2019. This research, conducted by a team from Imperial College London, analyzed NCD mortality data from 185 countries and territories.

The findings indicate that the likelihood of dying from an NCD before reaching 80 years of age diminished in 82% of countries for women and 79% for men during the specified period. Conversely, mortality rates increased in 18% of countries for females and 21% for males. Notably, the nations reporting a decline in NCD mortality accounted for a substantial proportion of the global population--72% for women and 73% for men by 2019.

In high-income Western nations, all recorded a decrease in NCD mortality, with Denmark showing the most significant improvement for both genders, while the United States experienced the smallest drop. The primary contributors to this decline were circulatory diseases, which played a pivotal role in reducing NCD mortality rates. However, increases in mortality were associated with neuropsychiatric conditions as well as pancreatic and liver cancers.

For men and women in most affluent Western countries, as well as in various regions of Latin America, the Caribbean, and East and Southeast Asia, a decline in NCD mortality was observed. However, for women in South Asia, the data indicated a worsening trend compared to the previous decade.

The study's authors emphasize that achieving reductions in NCD mortality is attainable, even in nations where baseline mortality rates are low. They highlight the importance of continued efforts in public health initiatives to sustain and further this positive trend.

For further details, the study contains additional information regarding the implications of these findings on global health policies and research.