
Non-communicable diseases have been established as a clear threat not only to human health, but also to development and economic growth. Recognizing that building a solid economic argument is ever more crucial in times of financial crisis, this report brings an account of the overall costs of NCDs, including what specific impact NCDs might have on economic growth. A survey of business executives from around the world, conducted by the World Economic Forum since 2009, identified NCDs as one of the leading threats to global economic growth. The report also tries to capture the thinking of the business community about the impact of NCDs on their enterprises.