Understanding the spatial distribution of non-communicable diseases for better preparedness and community resilience

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) aims at ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages. The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated global discussions among communicable diseases where Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) seems ignored. NCDs are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide which contributes for 41 million (71%) deaths each year. Highlighted by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), health is one of the critical factors that increases the community vulnerability. Getting to know such vulnerable groups based on health conditions will always support better disaster risk reduction planning and decision making. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the spatial distribution of NCDs based on prevalence and mortality focusing on cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes. The study adopted the case study method based on Sri Lanka using secondary data collected from the Registrar General's Department of Sri Lanka from 2010 to 2015. Based on thematic visualization using ArcGIS as a tool of analysis, spatial distribution of NCDs were mapped according to the districts of Sri Lanka. Calculated cause specific death rates and prevalence rates identifies the most vulnerable districts under each disease. The results indicate that the mortality among men is greater than women. The study would enable to further explore the association of the environmental factors and the NCD deaths by districts and assess the distribution of deaths in broader aspect. In conclusion the outcomes of this study will support decision makers to understand the community vulnerability based on NCDs for better preparedness when making communities resilient.