Kathmandu: Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular issues, chronic respiratory complications, and cancers are reportedly on the rise in Nepal. Dr. Manita Pyakurel from the Nepal Non-Communicable Disease Alliance highlighted the increasing prevalence of these diseases, emphasizing that cardiac and chronic respiratory conditions, along with cancers, are particularly prevalent.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr. Pyakurel revealed that heart disease accounts for 30 percent of the non-communicable diseases, chronic respiratory diseases make up 10 percent, and cancer represents nine percent. In 2010, nearly 51 percent of total deaths in Nepal were due to non-communicable diseases. This figure increased to 60 percent in 2014, surged to 66 percent in 2016, and by 2019, approximately 71.1 percent of deaths were attributed to such diseases, as reported by the Global Burden of Disease report.
The report also indicates that the cost of treating non-communicable diseases in Nepal is rising significantly. Globally, these diseases contribute to 4.3 million deaths annually.