NCD Alliance Scotland is a coalition of health organisations reducing the health burden of non-communicable diseases through action on alcohol, tobacco, and high fat, salt and sugar products.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death and ill-health in Scotland. The NCD Alliance Scotland is comprised of nine of Scotland’s leading health charities: British Heart Foundation Scotland, Alcohol Focus Scotland, ASH Scotland, Obesity Action Scotland, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), Asthma and Lung UK Scotland, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes Scotland and Stroke Association.
Key facts:
- In 2022, 53,000 deaths in Scotland were caused by NCDs (85% of all deaths). [1]
- 1 in 5 deaths from NCDs in Scotland are directly related to alcohol, tobacco and obesity.[1]
- People in the most deprived areas are expected to live healthy lives for 25 years less than those in the least deprived areas.[1]
- Harmful alcohol use (drinking more than the recommended 14 units per week) contributes to poor health in Scotland, with 22% of adults drinking over the recommended level. [2]
- It is estimated than 6 in every 100 life years in Scotland are lost due to alcohol use.[3]
- The burden of NCDs is projected by ScotPHO to increase by 21% by 2043, further exacerbating the impacts that NCDs have on our society. [4]
Learn more:
NCD Prevention: A Commercial Determinants of Health Approach
Cross-Party Inquiry into Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Health Harming Products
For more information, visit the NCD Alliance Scotland website
References
[1] Cross-Party Inquiry into Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Health Harming Products (2022).
[2] The Scottish Health Survey 2022 – volume 1: main report (2023)
[3] Realistic Medicine – Taking Care: Chief Medical Officer for Scotland annual report 2023 to 2024 (2024)