RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Accelerating policy response to curb non-communicable diseases
An imperative to mitigate the dual public health crises of non-communicable diseases and COVID-19 in India
Shrivastav, R., Rawal, T., Kataria, I., Mehrotra, R., Bassi, S., & Arora, M. (2023). Accelerating policy response to curb non-communicable diseases: An imperative to mitigate the dual public health crises of non-communicable diseases and COVID-19 in India. The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, 10, Article 100132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lansea.2022.100132
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a threat to public health and sustainable development. NCDs were equated to being a 'pandemic' before COVID-19 originated. Globally, NCDs caused approximately 74% of deaths (2019). India accounted for nearly 14·5% of these deaths. NCDs and COVID-19 have a lethal bi-directional relationship with both exacerbating each other's impact. Health systems and populations, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like India have among the highest burden of COVID-19. This narrative review tracks key policy and programmatic developments on NCD prevention and control in India, with a focus on commercially-driven risk factors (tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution), and the corresponding NCD targets. It identifies lacunae and recommends urgent policy-focussed multi-dimensional action, to ameliorate the dual impact of NCDs and COVID-19. India's comprehensive response to NCDs can steer national, regional and global progress towards time-bound NCD targets and NCD-related Sustainable Development Goals.
