The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – those that are non-infectious or non-transmissible – has increased significantly in Nepal, where they now account for more than 44% of deaths. The most common NCDs include chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (43%), cardiovascular disease (40%), diabetes mellitus (12%) and cancer (5%). In addition to higher levels of alcohol and tobacco use, urbanisation and changes in diets have contributed to this rise. (Photo by Omar Havana)
