Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person. They are of long duration and generally slow progression. The 4 main types of non-communicable diseases are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
The increasing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), threatens to overwhelm an already over-stretched health services. Conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, mental health problems, chronic respiratory disease, injuries and disabilities, musculoskeletal conditions and genetic disorders challenge the health systems and absorb substantial amounts of resources.
What Leaders should know about NCDs
• More than 75% of all deaths worldwide are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• NCD deaths worldwide now exceed all communicable, maternal and perinatal nutrition-related deaths combined and represent an emerging global health threat. Every year,
• NCDs kill 9 million people under 60 years of age. The socio-economic impact is staggering.
• It is estimated that poor diets, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol intake are major factors behind the deaths of a staggering 100,000 people every day.
• Governments must urgently scale up NCD interventions to bring about the radical changes that are needed.
• NCDs require multi-stakeholders solutions. No one single player working in silo can tackle the challenges of NCD alone.
• Communities have the right to receive appropriate information on reducing the risk of NCDs and accordingly should be empowered to take the right lifestyle choices.
• Civil society is well placed to mobilize political and public awareness and support against NCDs.
• Key stakeholders need to address some of the fundamental issues in relation to NCDS
Key Messages Health Promotion
• NCDs affect everyone and are a development problem that threatens the MDGs.
• NCDs require a response from all sectors, not just the health sector.
• Success against NCDs is possible, and prevention is key.
• A stronger health system is essential and will benefit all aspects of health care.
• Action is urgently needed now. NCDs are costly and, as the epidemic keeps rising, will become a major economic issue for countries and families.
Source: RHPU/BAR
{jcomments on}