economic burden and costs of chronic diseases in iran and the world

background: non-communicable diseases (ncds) annually kill over 35 million people worldwide. they are responsible for nearly two-thirds of the world's deaths. global health is facing a dramatic change. for the first time in human history, more than 80% of ncd-related deaths are in low- and middle-income countries. countries throughout the world are expected to lose significant amounts of national income as a result of chronic diseases. the world health organization ( who ) announced that ncds are expected to threaten the lives of 25 million people across the middle east by 2015. the increased incidence of chronic diseases and epidemiological transition phenomenon in iran would impose the country with the economic burden of chronic disease. this study aimed to review health and economic burden caused by this global problem. methods: this study evaluated challenges and strategies to combat ncds through reviewing available literature in digital and printed libraries from various scientific journals and reputable websites including center for disease control and prevention (cdc) and the who. results: ncds kill over 35 million people each year and thus threaten the development of countries. ncds affect the poor and vulnerable population and make them even poorer. ncds can be controlled through preventing their risk factors and benefiting from experiences of other countries.