Many premature deaths stem from NCDs – WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 80 per cent of deaths worldwide.
The global health agency asserted that every two seconds, a person aged less than 70 dies of such a disease.
WHO reported on Wednesday that cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes contribute to 80 per cent of all premature deaths by NCDs.
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It is clear what must be done, said the WHO director of NCDs, Bente Mikkelsen, in Geneva.
However, people must implement prevention practices, including reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption, eating a healthy diet and getting more exercise and fresh air.
WHO said that about 85 per cent of ill people live in low- and middle-income countries, meaning they often have little chance of receiving adequate treatment.
Meanwhile, the lengthy and expensive healthcare costs for NCDs, combined with the loss of income from time off work, push millions of people into poverty every year, stifling development, the WHO noted.
Additional aid could bring these countries a net economic benefit by helping people return to work.
According to the WHO reports, non-communicable diseases kill 41 million people each year.
The reports added that if effective interventions were implemented, 39 million lives could be saved by 2030 and countless people could live longer and happier lives.
“The WHO is launching an interactive data portal through which the situation can be monitored in each country.
“Among other nations, the portal shows that Sweden, Norway, Italy and Australia have the lowest rates of NCDs.
“The portal can also be used to make comparisons. For example, in contrast to Germany, France has greater problems with obesity and poor nutrition; however, the French are more physically active.
“Italy has greater alcohol abuse, but less cardiovascular disease than Germany,” the report stated.
It however said that comprehensive data is not yet available in all countries.
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