The UN’s Battle with NCDs

Sheri Fink and Rebecca Rabinowitz of the New America Foundation call attention to rising danger of non-communicable diseases, or NCDs. Such diseases, including heart and lung disease, cancer and diabetes, now account for two out of every three deaths worldwide. A UN meeting signals new priority on the challenges of such diseases. Non-communicable diseases, many preventable, have become prevalent not only in the developed world, but also the developing world, as the growth of emerging markets propagates more sedentary lifestyles. As alcohol and tobacco use declines in the West, corporations target the emerging markets. Reminiscent of negotiations on climate change, politics, commerce, science and the priorities of multinational corporations that sell processed foods, high-calorie beverages, tobacco and other products have combined to pit interests of developed and developing countries against one another. Early prevention may reduce profits of companies, but in the long run could save lives and health-care costs for emerging economies. – YaleGlobal