Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic diseases that include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes and account for 60 percent of worldwide deaths. Eighty percent of these deaths are in low- and middle-income countries, with an estimated economic cost of $500 billion a year for Africa alone. When compared with the use of medication and surgery, preventing common risk factors, such as unhealthy diets or alcohol, is more cost effective in limiting disease burden. NCDs are far more prevalent in urban settings and the situation will only worsen with rapid urbanization in emerging economies. Therefore, it is essential to reduce the risk factors of NCDs by designing healthier urban environments—be it through better design of buildings and outdoor spaces or through public incentive and community-based programs.
Moderator:
John Cary, Founder and Editor, PublicInterestDesign.org
Liz Ogbu, Scholar in Residence, Center for Art and Public Life, California College of the Arts
Participants:
Robert Ivy, Executive Vice President and CEO, American Institute of Architects
Johanna Ralston, Chief Executive Officer, World Heart Federation
