World Health Day, observed on April 7, is often portrayed as a day to highlight the limitations of traditional healthcare systems. While such critique is necessary for progress, the day should also inspire ideas for improving human health. Four major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes—account for over 80% of premature NCD-related deaths.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that 85% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, making NCDs the leading cause of mortality globally. This rising burden demands effective prevention strategies. Yoga and pranayama have emerged as scientifically validated tools for disease prevention and overall well-being. This article explores their effectiveness in tackling NCDs, economic benefits of prevention, and how countries have incorporated yoga into public health.

The growing burden of NCDs:

NCDs are responsible for approximately 41 million deaths annually, making up 74% of all global deaths. Major risk factors include:

• Unhealthy diet

• Physical inactivity

• Tobacco use and alcohol consumption

• Chronic stress and mental health disorders

Global statistics on NCD mortality:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): 17.9 million deaths annually.

• Cancer: 9.6 million deaths per year.

• Chronic respiratory diseases: 4 million deaths, mainly COPD and asthma.

• Diabetes: 1.5 million deaths yearly.

How yoga counters NCDs:

Yoga provides natural, cost-effective methods to improve physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

1. Cardiovascular diseases and yoga - Yoga reduces stress, improves heart rate variability, lowers blood pressure, and decreases LDL cholesterol. A meta-analysis of 32 studies found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

2. Yoga in cancer prevention and recovery - Yoga enhances immunity, reduces inflammation, and improves patients' quality of life. A trial showed breast cancer patients practicing yoga experienced a 50% reduction in stress-related cytokines.

3. Respiratory diseases and yoga therapy - Pranayama increases lung function, reduces airway resistance, and strengthens respiratory muscles.

4. Yoga's role in diabetes management - Yoga improves insulin sensitivity, regulates glucose metabolism, and lowers HbA1c. It also helps lower blood sugar in non-insulin-dependent diabetics and reduces medication needs. Yoga is now included in many cardiac rehab programmes.

Investment in prevention vs. treatment:

Treating NCDs could cost over $47 trillion by 2030. Investing in preventive measures like yoga significantly reduces healthcare costs and enhances quality of life.

Global adoption of yoga in public health:

• U.S.: AHA recommends yoga; NCI supports research; workplaces report reduced stress and absenteeism (Frontiers in Public Health, 2024).

• Canada, Japan, Germany: Yoga included in public initiatives, workplace wellness, and insurance programmes.

• Nordic Countries: Promoted in schools and workplaces for holistic health.

• India: Through International Day of Yoga and AYUSH Ministry.

• UAE and Saudi Arabia: Integrated into national health strategies.

Why WHO and policymakers should promote yoga:

While existing healthcare investments are essential for NCD management, they have not been sufficient to curb their rising prevalence. Despite trillions spent on treatments, NCD rates continue to rise, highlighting the urgent need for cost-effective preventive approaches like yoga. Yoga stands out as an effective solution because:

• Yoga is easy to learn and practice. It requires minimal guidance and can be taught within weeks.

• Yoga is cost-effective. Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, yoga needs no continuous expenditure, making it ideal for low-income nations. Yoga requires no machines or expensive equipment, making it a low-investment intervention.

• Yoga is accessible to all ages. Even elderly individuals can practise gentle yoga techniques.

Yoga is a proven preventive tool against NCDs. By prioritising yoga in public health strategies, we can reduce disease prevalence, lower costs, and improve well-being worldwide.

The writer is a yoga therapist and founder of Yogistan Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]