Letter: Technology Contribution to Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases

Based on available data of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory diseases are the leading causes of death in the world.1 Of note, 80% of NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Although 48% of NCD deaths were due to cardiovascular diseases globally, over 80% of cardiovascular and diabetes deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. It is also anticipated that NCD deaths increase by 15% globally by 2020, but by 20% in the WHO regions of Africa, South-East Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean.1 These alarming facts can be warning hints to decision makers to take more effective actions with finite health budget.