“In five out of the six regions of WHO, deaths caused by chronic diseases dominate the mortality statistics (1). Although human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), malaria and tuberculosis, along with other infectious diseases, still predominate in sub-Saharan Africa and will do so for the foreseeable future, 79% of all deaths worldwide that are attributable to chronic diseases are already occurring in developing countries (2).” http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/2_background/en/index.html

1.The chronic disease epidemics take decades to become fully established – they have their origins at young ages; given their long duration, there are many opportunities for prevention;

2.They require a long-term and systematic approach to treatment;

3.Health services must integrate the response to these diseases with the response to acute, infectious diseases.

World Health Organization. Preventing chronic diseases : a vital investment : WHO global report. Geneva. 2005. Available at http://www.who.int/chp/chronic_disease_report/full_report.pdf