Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) arising from a complex interplay of genetic,
physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors place a substantial burden on
individuals, communities, and economies. For children affected by NCDs, these conditions
often become lifelong challenges requiring continuous management and care. Alarmingly,
children, adolescents, and young people are increasingly impacted by NCDs, yet they remain
largely overlooked in global health surveillance, targets, and priorities. According to the
World Health Organization, NCD-related deaths could reach 55 million annually by 2030.
Factors such as globalization, industrialization, urbanization, and shifting lifestyles have
significantly contributed to the global surge in NCDs. In 2022 alone, over 340 million
children and adolescents aged 5–19 was classified as overweight or obese. Additionally, one
in seven adolescents globally is affected by a mental health disorder, and asthma remains the
most prevalent chronic condition among children worldwide.

The key drivers of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in children include unhealthy diets,
obesity, physical inactivity, and the use of alcohol and tobacco. The risk for developing
NCDs can begin as early as the prenatal stage. Alarmingly, these risk factors are steadily
increasing. Early detection, timely intervention, and lifestyle modifications are essential to
reducing the long-term health consequences. Currently, three out of four adolescents do not
engage in adequate physical activity, and approximately 42 million children are classified as
obese. These factors are contributing to a growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, elevated
blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels among the youth.

The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is steadily rising among children—a
concerning trend, as these conditions have traditionally been associated with adulthood.
However, diseases such as childhood obesity, early-onset diabetes, and asthma are becoming
increasingly prevalent in younger populations. While some NCDs manifest later in life, many
directly affect children from an early age. Common childhood NCDs include anemia, asthma,
cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and injuries resulting from accidents.
Additionally, NCDs, known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result
of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors. Children
and adolescents are most sensitive and vulnerable to these factors. From the life course
perspective, the early onset of NCDs in children and adolescents also impacts the risk of
adverse health outcomes and healthcare costs in adulthood.

What are NCDs in Children:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in children can be congenital or acquired. Globally, 13.9
million children are affected by CVD. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common
chronic heart disease in children. Cancer is a leading cause of death for children and
adolescents worldwide.

Chronic respiratory disorders (CRDs), including asthma, respiratory allergies and lung
diseases, are a major source of disability in children. More than 108 million children were
affected by CRDs. Children with CRD often experience high rates of hospitalization.

Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot adequately manage blood glucose or insulin
and affects more than 8.8 million children. Children who do not have access to care and
essential medicines, especially insulin, may face serious complications or early death.

Mental health disorders (MHDs) affect as many as 231 million children and adolescents are
especially vulnerable. MHDs encompass a wide range of conditions from depression and
anxiety to psychosis. Mental health can have an impact throughout life, especially for people
living with other NCDs

“Seventy percent of the preventable adult deaths from NCDs are linked to risk factors that
start in adolescence, providing a key opportunity for prevention.”

TRENDS IN MAJOR RISK FACTORS

A risk factor is any characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases their likelihood
of developing a disease or injury. These include but are not limited to pollution, obesity,
unsafe sex, high blood pressure, poor sanitation, tobacco and alcohol consumption and
others.. Early onset of NCDs can have serious consequences for the child both at the time of
diagnosis and later in life. The effects of NCDs in children contribute 174 million years lived
with disability.1 For many children.

Early Onset:

NCDs can manifest early in life, even in the womb, highlighting the need for interventions
during pregnancy and childhood

NCD prevention is most effective when it targets the root of the problem.

• Early life factors can influence NCD development as early as in the womb.
• Transitions across the life course must be met with a coordinated and supported health
system.
• It is important to address the upstream determinants of NCDs to improve the health and
wellbeing of people at all stages in life.

Preventive Measures:

Promoting healthy lifestyles, including proper nutrition and physical activity, is vital for
preventing NCDs.

Multi-sectoral Approach:

Addressing the rising burden of NCDs requires a collaborative effort involving individuals,
healthcare providers, governments, and the private sector.

Addressing the Challenge:

 Early Detection and Intervention: Regular health checkups and screenings for
NCD risk factors are crucial.
 Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and
reducing exposure to harmful substances are essential.
 Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about NCDs and promoting healthy
behaviors can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to take preventive
measures.
 Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Investing in primary healthcare and ensuring
equitable access to quality healthcare services are crucial for early diagnosis and
treatment.
 Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between public and private
sectors can help implement effective prevention and care strategies

BEST PRACTICE AND THE FUTURE
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children are increasingly gaining attention on the
public health agenda. The rising incidence of childhood cancers, obesity, diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions calls for a child-centred and sustained
effort to reverse these trends and enhance both the quality of life and survival rates among
children. This is particularly crucial in developing countries, where the double burden of
infectious diseases and NCDs often results in public health efforts being concentrated
primarily on the first five years of life. However, managing NCDs in children poses unique
challenges..

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Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in Children