Analysis
The claim is supported by the **2014 WHO Global Status Report on NCDs**, which explicitly argues that economic development does *not* inevitably lead to higher NCD rates if governments implement evidence-based interventions (e.g., tobacco control, salt reduction, physical activity promotion). The report cites examples like **Finland and Japan**, where policies reduced NCD burdens while sustaining growth. Peer-reviewed studies (e.g., *The Lancet*’s 2015 NCD series) corroborate that cost-effective measures (e.g., taxation on unhealthy products, healthcare access) can decouple NCD trends from GDP growth. Chan’s emphasis on 'political will' reflects the report’s call for governance, not fate, as the primary driver.
Background
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases—accounted for **68% of global deaths in 2014** (WHO). Historically, NCD rates rose with urbanization and income growth due to lifestyle shifts (e.g., sedentary behavior, processed diets). However, the 2014 WHO report framed NCDs as *preventable* through multisectoral policies, challenging the determinism of the 'economic transition' narrative.
Verdict summary
Margaret Chan’s 2014 statement aligns with WHO reports and broader public health consensus that NCDs can be mitigated through targeted policies without sacrificing economic growth.