Heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses are the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) affecting the Nepali population, according to Nepal NCD Alliance representative Dr. Manita Pyakurel.
Speaking on the rising burden of NCDs in Nepal, Dr. Pyakurel noted that heart diseases account for about 30% of all major NCD cases, cancer for 9%, and chronic respiratory diseases for 10%.
Sharp Rise in NCD-Related Deaths Over the Years
Historical data show a worrying upward trend:
- 2010: 51% of all deaths in Nepal were caused by NCDs
- 2014: rose to 60%
- 2016: increased further to 66%
- 2019: reached 71.1%, according to the Global Burden of Disease report
The financial cost is also significant—NCD treatment consumes the largest share of total healthcare expenditure in Nepal.
Globally, NCDs cause around 43 million deaths annually, and the World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2050, the five leading causes of death worldwide will all be non-communicable diseases.
Risk Factors Driving the NCD Epidemic
NCDs in Nepal are largely driven by preventable risk factors, including:
- Tobacco and tobacco-related product consumption
- Unhealthy diets
- Physical inactivity
- Alcohol consumption
- Air pollution
Call for Early Awareness and Stronger Prevention
Saroj Dhungel, health journalist and member of the NCD Alliance, stressed that the government must ensure timely public awareness campaigns.
Former President of the Health Journalists Forum Nepal, Ram Prasad Nyaupane, highlighted that journalists share equal responsibility with the government in preventing and controlling NCDs, urging the media to actively report on the issue.
