Publications

Global evidence review on health and migration: continuum of care for noncommunicable disease management during the migration cycle

Global evidence review on health and migration: continuum of care for noncommunicable disease management during the migration cycle

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, cause 74% of all deaths worldwide and also have social and economic costs. The percentage of deaths due to NCDs is higher in the WHO European Region than in all other WHO regions, with 90% of all deaths due to NCDs. This figure is equally high for both sexes (88% for men and 92% for women).

Globally, more than 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 years die from an NCD every year. Although the rate of premature mortality is lower in the WHO European Region compared with other WHO regions, it remains high: nearly one in three NCD deaths occur in the 30–69-year age group and the risk of premature death due to NCDs (16%) is only slightly below the global average (18%). The WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013– 2020 provided a roadmap and strategies to reduce premature NCD deaths worldwide, with a target of reducing global mortality from NCDs by one third by 2030. A set of 16 best buy options outline practical and cost-effective interventions.