Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are defined as what, and why are they prioritized?

• A. Acute infectious diseases.
• B. Chronic diseases not spread by infection; high burden and preventable risk factors.
• C. Vector-borne diseases.
• D. Nutritional deficiency conditions only.

Answer: (B)

Non-communicable diseases are chronic conditions that are not spread from person to person. They tend to persist over time and develop gradually, with many sharing common, preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. They’re prioritized because they account for a large share of illness and death worldwide, create substantial disability and economic burden, and many can be prevented or delayed by addressing those modifiable risk factors and strengthening long-term care. The best description here highlights chronic diseases not caused by infection and emphasizes the high burden and preventable risk factors. Acute infectious diseases are contagious and usually short-term, vector-borne diseases are infections transmitted by vectors, and nutritional deficiency conditions are not the defining trait of NCDs.