Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that are not transmitted from one

person to another. This disease is a long-term (chronic) with a slow progression

, and can be suffered by all age groups (children to the elderly) in all regions
of the world. Currently, there are four main types of non-communicable diseases
, namely: cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung disease (chronic obstruct
ive pulmonary disease, asthma), and diabetes (WHO, 2015).
More than two thirds (70%) of the global population died from NCDs. More than th
ree quarters of these deaths are premature death (less than 70 years of age) and
occurred in developing countries, including Indonesia. In countries with low an
d medium economic level, all deaths in people aged less than 60 years, 29% were
caused by NCDs, whereas 13% in developed countries. Several causes of death PTM
in people aged less than 70 years are cardiovascular disease (39%), followed by
cancer (27%), chronic respiratory diseases and digestive diseases and others NCD
s together cause about 30 % of deaths and 4% of deaths due to diabetes (WHO, 201
5; US Daar et al, 2007).
According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide deaths from NCDs are i
ncreasing steadily. The highest increase will occur in the poor and middle incom
e countries. Indonesian Basic Health Research-Riset Kesehatan Dasar (Riskesdas)
in 2007 and Household Health Survey in 1995 and 2001 showed that for 12 years (1
995-2007) Indonesia is experiencing an epidemiological transition where deaths d
ue to NCDs is increasing, while the mortality due to infectious diseases decreas
ed. The prediction in 2030 there will be 52 million deaths per year due to non-c
ommunicable disease. In the poor and middle income countries, NCDs will be respo
nsible for almost five times more than deaths from infectious diseases, maternal
, perinatal and nutritional problems (WHO, 2015; Department of Health, 2012).
Several risk factors were identified as the cause of NCDs, namely: unhealthy and
unbalanced foods, physically inactive lifestyle, the use of tobacco and alcohol
at an alarming level. The above behavior causes metabolic disorders (increased
blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipid levels and overweight /obesity) which m
ay increase the risk of NCDs. The risk factors are supported by advanced age, po
orly planned and rapid urbanization, and the spread of unhealthy lifestyles worl
dwide (WHO, 2015).
NCDs increase spending on health care costs. Communities with low income, limite
d access to health services and high exposure to risk factors will become sick a
nd die sooner than those from higher social classes. At the WHO meeting in Genev
a in 2011, a study reported that health care costs for PTM absorb more than 1/3
of state expenditures for health sector with the highest costs are used for card
iovascular diseases. Expenses increased due to NCDs in low-income countries has
not been a focus of attention from policy makers, donors, and even academics (Be
aglehole R & D Yach, 2003; Garg C & D Evans, 2011; WHO, 2015).
In order to respond to this situation, it needs a comprehensive policy of the go
vernment and non-government agencies. In developing countries, the capacity and
resources to respond to this problem are indicated. One example that can be obse
rved is slow progress to control tobacco industry. A comprehensive action from a
ll sectors (health, finance, education, agriculture, etc.) is necessary. The foc
us of preventive actions is to reduce the risk factors that contribute to the em
ergence of NCDs, particularly modifiable risk factors (tobacco use, physical ina
ctivity and harmful use of alcohol) (WHO, 2015).
Based on the problems described above, the Faculty of Public Health University o
f Ahmad Dahlan, will hold an international seminar in the field of epidemiology
with the theme Current Issue of Non-Communicable Disease .
drh. Asep Rustiawan, M.Si. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) ha

s increased in all parts of the world, and almost three quarters of NCD deaths o
ccur in low and middle income countries. NCDs as a chronic disease occur along w
ith an increasing human welfare that followed by lifestyle and behavior changes.
The study by World Economic Forum and Harvard School of Public Health in 2015 s
tated that in 2012 to 2030, Indonesia will loss 4.47 trillion US dollars, or 232
million IDR per capita as a result of five main types of NCDs (cardiovascular,
cancer, chronic obstructed pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and mental illn
ess).
Based on the description above, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Ahmad Dahl
an, Yogyakarta present International Conference Current Issues of Noncommunicable
Disease on 25-26 May 2016. The speakers of the conference come from: WHO represe
ntative for Indonesia; Khon Kaen University, Thailand; Guangxi Medical Universit
y, China; and Directorate General of Ministry of Research, Technology, and Highe
r Education, Indonesia. The objective of the conference is to explore current is
sues of NCDs from many perspectives as a foundation to formulate a strategic pla
n for the many department s involved to face the challenges of NCDs.
We hope this conference will give benefit to all of us.
May Allah always gives us the grace and guidance. Aamiin
As a media to improve the knowledge associated with PTM (risk factors, impact, a
nd prevention and control of NCDs)
A lesson to learn from the world as well as Indonesian institution that has appl
ied various measures to face the challenges of PTM
As the recommendation to develop programs and policies related to PTM