#UHCDAY Keep The Promise.... 70% of NCDs Adult deaths are linked to risk factors that starts in adolescence

“Seventy percent of the preventable adult deaths from NCDs are linked to risk factors that start in adolescence, providing a key opportunity for prevention.”

What are NCDs?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children can be congenital or acquired. Globally, 13.9 million children are affected by CVD. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common chronic heart disease in children.
Cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents worldwide. Existing data suggests close to 6 million children had cancer in 2017. This may be an underestimate as many countries do not have adequate surveillance systems for childhood cancer.
Chronic respiratory disorders (CRDs), including asthma, respiratory allergies and lung diseases, are a major source of disability in children. More than 108 million children in 2017 were affected by CRDs. Children with CRD often experience high rates of hospitalization.
Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot adequately manage blood glucose or insulin and affects more than 8.8 million children. Children who do not have access to care and essential medicines, especially insulin, may face serious complications or early death.
Mental health disorders (MHDs) affect as many as 231 million children and adolescents are especially vulnerable. MHDs encompass a wide range of conditions from depression and anxiety to psychosis. Mental health can have an impact throughout life, especially for people living with other NCDs.
Injuries affected about 131 million children in 2017. Injury can be divided into two categories: intentional or unintentional. Unintentional injuries account for almost 90% of all injuries but the Global 
Burden of Disease study estimates 39 million children died as a result of interpersonal violence. Sexual violence is the most prevalent type of intentional injury for both boys and girls.

WHO Policy Best Buys for NCDS

• Tobacco - Implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Ban smoking in public places, schools, and hospitals.
• Alcohol - Tax alcoholic beverages. Enforce age limits. Ban promotion of alcohol to young people.
• Unhealthy diet - Reduce salt, fat, and sugar content in foods. Limit promotion of unhealhy foods to children.
• Physical inactivity - Empower schools and communities to promote physical activity in safe and convenient spaces.
• Strengthen health systems - Integrate NCDs into primary care. Build capacity for care professionals managing children.
• Essential medicines and care - Ensure equitable, affordable access to essential medicines and palliative care.
• Monitoring and surveillance - As with adults, regular data on the burden of NCDs and their risk factors should be routinely collected for children.
  
  
  The life course approach
  
  • NCD prevention is most effective when it targets the root of the problem.
  • Early life factors can influence NCD development as early as in the womb.
  • Transitions across the life course must be met with a coordinated and supported health system.
  • It is important to address the upstream determinants of NCDs to improve the health and wellbeing of people at all stages in life.
  • The life course approach will support the SDG 3.4 to reduce premature mortality due to NCDs by 30% by 2030.
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