Why it matters
The silent pandemic
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity now cause 75% of all deaths worldwide—claiming a life every two seconds, often silently. In Latin America, over 67% of adults are overweight or obese, with the fastest rise in low-income communities. These are not isolated cases—they reflect a systemic failure where healthy choices are scarce, and stress, poor nutrition, and limited care are daily realities. NCDs trap families in cycles of illness and poverty. But there is hope. With the right tools, habits, and support, we can not only prevent many of these diseases—we can also reduce their impact and help people live fuller lives, even after diagnosis. At HAI Global Foundation, we work to make these solutions accessible to all, because we believe that true prosperity goes beyond income, and that health is our first wealth.
The Silent Pandemic: Why NCDs Matter
The Opportunity: The Equity Imperative
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for more than 75% of global deaths, hitting hardest in low-income communities that face the greatest barriers to prevention. Yet over 80% of these diseases are preventable through simple, sustained lifestyle changes. Research shows that small daily shifts—like walking regularly or improving diet—can reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension by up to 30%, while health coaching improves adherence, weight, and blood pressure outcomes. The economics are just as powerful: every $1 invested in NCD prevention yields at least $7 in health and productivity gains, and every $1 invested in nutrition returns $23, according to the World Bank. At HAI Global Foundation, we harness this 24x impact opportunity through AI-powered health coaching that makes prevention accessible, equitable, scalable, and truly transformative for the communities most at risk.