KATHMANDU, June 30: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading cause of death in Nepal, with seven out of every 10 deaths now attributed to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses, according to health experts.
Data show that NCDs currently account for around 71 percent of all deaths in the country. The figure has risen sharply over the past three decades—from 30 percent in 1990 to 51 percent in 2010, before reaching 71 percent by 2020.
The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that NCDs will remain the leading cause of death in Nepal by 2030. If the current trend continues, they could account for as much as 79 percent of all deaths by 2040.
Doctors shared the findings during the Community Screening and Awareness Programme on Non-Communicable Diseases 2026, organized by the Health Section of Changunarayan Municipality on Monday.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Arjun Karki, Medical Superintendent of Changunarayan Municipal Hospital, said unhealthy dietary habits—including excessive consumption of salt, sugar and processed foods—have been major contributors to the growing burden of NCDs.
Noncommunicable disease prevention program starts from Kailali
He said physical inactivity caused by urbanization and increased dependence on technology has significantly reduced daily exercise and manual labour. Smoking, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, chronic stress and inadequate sleep have also contributed to the rise in such diseases.
Dr. Karki stressed that regular health check-ups, including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol screening, along with healthier lifestyles, are key to preventing NCDs. He recommended at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables, and complete avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
According to the government's Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2021–2025), around 22 percent of Nepalis face the risk of premature death from NCDs between the ages of 30 and 70.
Health officials said cases of non-communicable diseases have become increasingly common across Nepali households. However, they noted that obtaining accurate nationwide mortality data remains difficult because Nepal's civil registration and vital statistics system has yet to become fully effective.
Changunarayan Mayor Jeevan Khatri said the municipality has launched community-level screening programmes to identify NCDs at an early stage. He said the initiative also aims to strengthen the role of female community health volunteers in preventing and managing both non-communicable diseases and mental health problems.
Doctors said timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce complications associated with NCDs. The programme also highlighted mental health, warning that depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions are becoming increasingly common.
Health experts advised people experiencing prolonged sadness, excessive anxiety, changes in sleep or appetite, persistent fatigue or loss of interest in daily activities to seek medical counselling.
They also highlighted the close relationship between NCDs and mental health, noting that people living with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to mental health disorders, while psychological stress can make disease management more difficult.
The programme stressed that female community health volunteers should play a greater role in raising public awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, identifying high-risk individuals for early referral, ensuring continuity of medication and strengthening coordination between communities and health facilities.
Former minister Manmohan Bhattarai attended the event as chief guest. Chief Administrative Officer Mohan Kumar Shrestha, Chairperson of the Brand Promotion Committee Som Bahadur Thapa, and Changunarayan Municipality Health Section Chief Dil Kumar Duwal also addressed the programme, emphasizing that tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases requires collective awareness and action across society.
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