ABSTRACT
The leading global risks for death tend to differ according to a country's levels of income and development. Risk factors such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, high blood glucose, physical inactivity and overweight/obesity are consistently identified as responsible for raising the overall subsequent risk of many chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 2015, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. A heterogeneous group of what the WHO and others call 'neglected tropical diseases' (NTDs) mainly afflict people in the poorest groups and places. Some chronic conditions and NCDs are now recognized in the 'grand challenges' and also feature in SDG 3, with targets to 'reduce by one-third premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being' by 2030, and to 'strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol'.
