nontransmissible

Nontransmissible, or non-communicable, diseases are medical conditions that are not spread from person to person. They usually persist for long periods, progress slowly, and are influenced by a mix of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors rather than by infectious agents.

Major categories include cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, chronic asthma), and diabetes. In addition, many neurological, mental health, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain injuries are considered nontransmissible. These conditions account for the bulk of global morbidity and mortality, particularly in aging populations.

Because they are not infectious, transmission between individuals does not occur. Risk is shaped by modifiable factors such as unhealthy diets rich in salt and sugars, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and exposure to air and environmental pollutants, as well as non-modifiable factors like age and genetics. Social determinants of health also play a role.

Prevention and management focus on reducing risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring access to early detection, treatment, and long-term care. Population-level policies—tobacco control, healthy food environments, physical activity promotion, and air quality improvements—complement individual interventions and are central to reducing the global burden of nontransmissible diseases.