Authored by Joseph Magero of CASA.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer—account for about 60% of global deaths, mostly in low and middle-income countries. Smoking and tobacco use accounts for a sixth of these deaths.

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, heart disease and stroke, as well as a factor for some communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. Evidence obtained shows that important benefits of reducing smoking accrue quickly; a reduction in tobacco use rapidly decreases NCDs and healthcare costs.

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