WHO laments burden of non-communicable diseases

.Advocates regular physical exercises

By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja

The World Heath Organisation (WHO) has lamented the disturbing rate of worldwide burden of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), attributing the development to lack of physical activities.

WHO  Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi who spoke at a walk titled “Walk the Talk The Health for All Challenge” organised by WHO office in Nigeria in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, to create awareness in Abuja weekend, said the burden of the disease called for concern as according to him; “many people do not engage in regular exercises”.

“Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) claim the lives of 41 million people each year, accounting for 71% of all deaths worldwide.

“More than 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 die each year from an NCD, with 85 percent of these “premature” deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

“Low- and middle-income nations account for 77% of all NCD mortality.

According to Kazadi, ” Today, we are here to create awareness for people to engage in physical activities. To bring everybody to know about NCDs and it’s effect.

“Globally, the burden of Non Communicable Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and chronic disease are growing due to lack of physical activities.

“We do it once a year on the side to kick off World Health Assembly. Health Assembly that is starting tomorrow. We want to add our contribution to that global campaign for everyone to become active as part of our effort to beat NCDs.

“This is what we should be doing everyday for at least half an hour if we are to beat NCD”, he said.

It is worthy of note that, the Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.

The main types of NCD are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries where more than three quarters of global NCD deaths – 31.4 million – occur.

Detection, screening and treatment of NCDs, as well as palliative care, are key components of the response to NCDs