Of surprise to some is that chronic conditions are equally or more prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries and mortality rates are often higher for middle-aged people in these countries than in high-income countries (Strong, Mathers, Epping-Jordan, and Beaglehole, 2006).

References:

Strong, K., Mathers, C., Epping-Jordan, J., & Beaglehole, R. (2006). Preventing chronic disease: A priority for global health. International Journal of Epidemiology, 35(2), 492. 

WHO (2005). Preventing chronic diseases: A vital investment. Available at http://www.who.int/chp/chronic_disease_report/full_report.pdf