The leading cause of death worldwide is not what you might think. It isn’t tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, measles, polio, or even HIV/AIDS. The primary cause of mortality, accounting for 60% of all global deaths, is chronic disease. An estimated 35 million people die each year from chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Chronic diseases are named for their long course of illness and generally slow progression. Millions suffer pain, disability, and a reduced quality of life. In contrast to infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, chronic diseases are non-communicable, caused by factors like genes, poor diet, or smoking, and are largely preventable. Up to 80% of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and over a third of cancers could be prevented by adopting healthy habits, including eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use.

The developed and developing world are facing the challenge of chronic diseases, as four out of five chronic disease deaths today are in low- and middle-income countries. Many developing countries are actually facing a dual burden of disease from both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, chronic disease rates are only expected to grow as populations age and economic growth continues in low- and middle- income countries.

Despite their prevalence, high mortality, and the fact that they are mostly preventable, chronic diseases don’t receive the same attention as their infectious counterparts. Greater awareness about chronic diseases should come as a complement to the fight against infectious diseases. Balancing the response to current crises and addressing future demands like those of chronic diseases will be a dual challenge for donors and recipient countries, and one that should be accompanied with stronger health systems to prepare countries to deal with the health challenges that arrive with continued economic growth and increased life expectancy.

-Rena Pacheco-Theard