LESSON 2.7

Children’s Health: Globally

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

NCDs include:

  • Chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma)
  • Acquired heart diseases (e.g., rheumatic heart disease)
  • Childhood cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity

Worldwide these conditions are increasing

Example: Obesity

  • Increased from 32 million in 2000 to 43 million children in 2013
  • Observed in all countries – even those with high rates of childhood undernutrition
  • By 2025, it is estimated that 11% of children will be overweight
  • Many NCDs are preventable!

Source: WHO Child Health (2015)

Non-communicable diseases are increasing worldwide and are associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. For example, childhood obesity is associated with the subsequent development of diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Many of these are also preventable.