Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases or body ailments that cannot be communicated or transferred to another person through physical or biological contact. NCDs pose a greater threat to human society more than communicable diseases. NCDs are challenging to treat and are characterized as chronic. However, some chronic diseases, such as cervical cancer, are caused by viral infections as an exception. These diseases have a prolonged course. NCDs usually have complex etiology, and it is difficult to trace the exact cause of these diseases. NCDs can also be called multi-factorial diseases, that is, they have multiple risk factors. NCDs are challenging to diagnose at the early stages of the disease and are generally diagnosed after causing significant damage and at the late stages of the disease. The disease keeps spreading during the latent period. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 41 million people succumb to the burden of NCDs. Out of all the global deaths, 74% occur because of NCDs. 1
Classification of NCDsNCDs are commonly classified as seven types of disorders. These diseases are mostly life-threatening. Diabetes is an NCD that mainly occurs as a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Other types of NCDs are chronic respiratory disease, cancer, cardiovascular disorders (such as stroke and coronary heart disease), musculoskeletal disorders (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis)/arthritis, chronic neurological disorders, and unintentional injuries because of certain accidents that result in permanent physical or mental disabilities (Figure 1).