Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, obesity and chronic respiratory diseases, represent a leading threat to human health and human development in today’s world. These five NCD factors are the world’s leading causes of death and kill an estimated 35 million people each year - 60% of all deaths globally – with 80% in low and middle income countries. WHO estimates that total deaths from non-communicable diseases will increase by a further 17% over the next 10 years.NCDs are related to the interaction of various genetic, environmental and especially lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. NCDs are often prevalent in disadvantaged socio-economic populations and areas and represent a major obstacle to the economic development of many countries. (See WMA's Social Determinants of Health).