Which of the following is the CORRECT target for reduction of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as per the NPCDCS and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030?

Explanation

## SDG Target 3.4 and NPCDCS Alignment **Key Point:** The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.4 aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by **one-third (approximately 33%)** by 2030 compared to the **2015 baseline**. This is operationalized in India through the NPCDCS. ### Understanding the SDG Target **High-Yield:** SDG Target 3.4 states: *"By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being."* - **Baseline year**: 2015 (WHO-established reference year for SDG monitoring) - **Target reduction**: **33% (one-third)** of the 2015 premature NCD mortality rate - **Timeline**: By 2030 - **Premature mortality**: Deaths occurring before age 70 years ### Why Option A (33% from 2015) is Correct The exact wording of SDG 3.4 specifies a **one-third (≈33%) reduction** from the **2015 baseline** — not 40%, not 25%, and not from a 2010 baseline. This is the universally accepted global health target endorsed by WHO and adopted by India under NPCDCS. ### Comparison of Options | Option | Reduction | Baseline | Verdict | |--------|-----------|----------|---------| | A | 33% (one-third) | 2015 | ✅ Correct — SDG 3.4 official target | | B | 50% | 2010 | ❌ Not an official target | | C | 40% | 2015 | ❌ Stricter than SDG; no official basis | | D | 25% | 2010 | ❌ Refers to older WHO NCD Action Plan (2013–2020), different context | **Clinical Pearl:** The 25% reduction target from a 2010 baseline was part of the WHO Global Action Plan for NCDs 2013–2020, which is a **different** target from SDG 3.4. For NEET PG purposes, SDG 3.4 = **33% reduction by 2030 from 2015 baseline**. ### NPCDCS Integration with SDG 3.4 India's NPCDCS operationalizes SDG 3.4 through: 1. **Risk factor reduction**: Tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity 2. **Early detection**: Screening for hypertension, diabetes, and common cancers 3. **Management protocols**: Standardized treatment guidelines for CVD, diabetes, cancer, COPD 4. **Monitoring**: NHM surveillance systems track NCD mortality trends **Mnemonic:** **SDG 3.4 = 33% reduction by 2030 from 2015 baseline** - **3** = SDG Goal 3 (Health) - **4** = Target 4 - **33%** = One-third reduction - **2030** = Target year - **2015** = Baseline year [cite: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed., Ch. 1; WHO SDG Health Targets; SDG Target 3.4]