Non-communicable diseases and health systems reform in low-and-middle-income countries.

There is growing evidence that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health and socio-economic issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, deaths from cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes accounted for 63 per cent of global mortality in 2008, of which 80 per cent was in LMICs. The NCD burden is projected to increase: by 2030, NCDs will be the greatest killer in all LMICs.