UN gathers to discuss the implication of non-communicable diseases on development

Nsangbender

Heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancers used to be considered diseases of the rich world. Today, it is no longer the case. The developing world is also dealing with the challenge posed by these non-communicable diseases (NCDs).  NCDs are on the rise in the developing world, in part because of the change in life-style.  As urbanization takes place and people migrate from rural areas to the cities, they become more sedentary, walk less, and consume food and drinks that are high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, salt and sugar.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the four main non-communicable diseases- -- cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes--- kill three in five people worldwide.  A recent WHO’s study revealed that of selected risk factors, obesity was ranked the fifth most severe cause of all deaths across the regions in the world and throughout all income groups. Obesity leads to diseases, such as type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, and certain forms of cancers.   According to a recent study, 4.8 percent of all deaths in the world are a result of  obesity, which accounted for as many as 2.8 million deaths alone.  Moreover, in high income countries, 8.4 percent of all deaths in the same year were associated with NCDs, and 6.7 percent of all deaths in the middle income countries were also related to NCDs.  

The UN General Assembly’s decision to convene a high-level meeting on NCDs September 2011 presented a great opportunity for the international community to take action against the epidemic, to save millions of lives, and to enhance development.  Delegates at the UN high-level meeting on NCDs sought strategic ways to combat NCDs that have become major killers in the world.

Participants in the two-day meeting adopted a declaration calling for a multi-pronged campaign by governments, industry and civil society by 2013. The declaration called for reduction in risk factors for four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.  A more comprehensive intervention plan to help reduce the threat of NCDs was proposed by the delegates.  Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for tobacco control measures, such as raising taxes and banning advertising and smoking in public places.  UN member states asked that taxes be raised on alcohol and that its advertising on children TV programs be banned.  Secretary Ban Ki-moon also called on the member states to promote public awareness about healthy diets and physical activity.

“This will be a massive effort, but I am convinced we can succeed,” Ban Ki-moon told the delegates at the opening session.  He went on to say that the international community’s collaboration on the issue of NCDs is more than just public health. Non-Communicable diseases are a threat to development.