4 healthy habits

The four main NCDs – cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes – kill three in five people worldwide, with 80% of NCD-related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. While 50% of NCDs are avoidable, they share four main behavioural risk factors: tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, insufficient physical activity, and unhealthy diet or obesity. Successful prevention of these deadly diseases largely depends on encouraging people to lead healthy lifestyle. Together, IFRC and IFPMA launched a global initiative, called ‘4 Healthy Habits’. This innovative partnership equips Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers with information and tools to change behaviours, promote healthy lifestyles in communities around the world and ultimately reduce the rise of NCDs.