Developing countries have been experiencing a shift in disease type and prevalence,
generally referred to as the epidemiologic transition. Infectious diseases, once dominant in
low-income countries, are now being replaced by non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
which include cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes,
overweight and obesity, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. NCDs account for almost
70% of the global burden of disease and 60% of global mortality (Strong et al., 2005).
Overall, NCDs are the largest cause of mortality in people of working age, thus affecting a
nation’s economic development through loss of income and investments. NCDs also add
economic strain on a country due to the high-cost of treatments...[Read More]