Background: By the dawn of the third millennium, non communicable diseases are sweeping the
entire globe, with an increasing trend in developing countries where, the transition imposes more
constraints to deal with the double burden of infective and non-infective diseases in a poor
environment characterised by ill-health systems. By 2020, it is predicted that these diseases will be
causing seven out of every 10 deaths in developing countries. Many of the non communicable
diseases can be prevented by tackling associated risk factors.
Methods: Data from national registries and international organisms are collected, compared and
analyzed. The focus is made on the growing burden of non communicable diseases in developing
countries.
Results: Among non communicable diseases, special attention is devoted to cardiovascular
diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic pulmonary diseases. Their burden is affecting countries
worldwide but with a growing trend in developing countries. Preventive strategies must take into
account the growing trend of risk factors correlated to these diseases.
Conclusion: Non communicable diseases are more and more prevalent in developing countries
where they double the burden of infective diseases. If the present trend is maintained, the health
systems in low-and middle-income countries will be unable to support the burden of disease.
Prominent causes for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and pulmonary diseases can be prevented but
urgent (preventive) actions are needed and efficient strategies should deal seriously with risk
factors like smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity and western diet
