Chronic Disease Deaths Decline Globally, US Shows Slowest Progress

A global study published in The Lancet reveals that deaths from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) declined in nearly 80% of countries between 2010 and 2019, marking overall health improvements worldwide. However, the pace of decline slowed in most nations during this period compared to the previous decade, with high-income countries such as the United States and Germany showing particularly poor performance. The United States experienced the smallest reduction in NCD mortality among high-income Western countries, with a troubling rise in deaths among adults aged 20 to 45, a rare trend in wealthy nations. The main contributors to the increased NCD mortality in some regions include ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and neuropsychiatric conditions, while some other causes like certain cancers and circulatory diseases saw declines. The study emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced investments and effective strategies targeting chronic diseases to meet global health goals, especially as progress has stalled or reversed in key demographics. Despite positive trends globally, the findings highlight growing health disparities and the complexity of addressing chronic disease mortality worldwide.