NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and mental health conditions, are now the leading cause of illness and death worldwide, with 77% of NCD deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Five modifiable risk factors drive NCDs: tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution.
Adolescents in LMICs experience a significant burden of NCDs, with 20% of deaths among 10-19-year-olds worldwide attributed to NCDs in 2019.
Key strategies to address NCDs among adolescents in LMICs include: Strengthening surveillance systems, implementing multi-component programs, adopting human-centred design approaches, and leveraging technology for program implementation.
Collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers is crucial to developing programs and policies that address disease prevention and health promotion.
By: Elisabetta Ferrero, MPH