India’s Disease Burden Shifts to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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India’s Disease Burden Shifts to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report

Posted 13 Oct 2025

2 min read

Article Summary

Article Summary

The GBD 2023 report highlights a shift in India's health landscape, with NCDs now outweighing infectious diseases, rising mental health issues, and air pollution remaining a key risk factor.

The GBD Report, released by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the World Health Summit, Berlin.

Key Findings

  • Shift toward NCDs: From 1990 to 2023, NCDs grew to overshadow infectious diseases, except COVID-19, as the leading causes of death in India.
    • Infectious diseases have declined due to better healthcare access, immunization, and sanitation.
  • Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, have shown a sharp rise (2013–2023).
  • Major Risk Factors: Air pollution remains among India’s top three causes of early death and disability.

About NCDs

  • NCDs, also known as chronic diseases are not passed from person to person. E.g., cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes etc.
  • NCDs tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors.
  • NCDs now account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s total mortality and morbidity.

Initiatives Undertaken by India

  • Eat Right India movement by FSSAI promotes healthy eating.
  • Fit India Movement: Launched in 2019 aims to promote a physically active lifestyle and make fitness an integral part of daily life in India.
  • National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): Launched in 2007-08 for creating awareness about tharmful effects of tobacco consumption; reduce production etc. 
  • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardio- vascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was launched in 2010 to combat NCDs.
  • Tags :
  • Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report
  • Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
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