Risk of dying from chronic disease rises in India, falls globally, says Lancet study – Health News |
A new global study published in The Lancet has revealed worrying health trends for India. While many countries have seen a decline in deaths caused by chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, India is experiencing the opposite — with women facing a sharper increase in risk than men.
Key findings from the study
The research, led by Imperial College London and the World Health Organisation (WHO), analyzed data from 185 countries between 2010 and 2019. It focused on the likelihood of dying from chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) before the age of 80.
- Globally, death rates from NCDs fell in most countries:
- 82% of countries saw a decline in women
- 79% of countries saw a decline in men
- In contrast, India and Papua New Guinea saw an increase in deaths from chronic diseases.
- Heart disease and diabetes were the biggest contributors to this rise in India.
Why India stands out
The study highlights that while countries such as China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil managed to bring down their chronic disease death rates, India went in the opposite direction. Women in particular are facing a higher increase in risk compared to men.
At the same time, deaths from conditions like dementia, alcohol-related disorders, and cancers of the pancreas and liver are also climbing globally, adding to the burden.
What’s being done?
Health experts stress that tackling chronic illnesses must remain a top priority. Countries have pledged to reduce premature deaths from these conditions by one-third by 2030 under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers say the findings are a wake-up call ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting. They call for greater investment in prevention, early detection, and treatment to ensure life-saving care reaches those who need it most.
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