WHO makes appeal to countries in war against diseases
A diabetic injects himself with insulin. WHO has said non-communicable diseases, among them diabetes, still accounted for more than 70 per cent of deaths. PHOTO | FOTOSEARCH
The World Health Organisation has asked governments to work closely with civil society to identify innovative ways to curb the world’s leading causes of death.
In the summary, the health agency encouraged governments to promote meaningful engagement with civil society to defeat cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, respiratory diseases and mental health conditions.
WHO said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) still accounted for more than 70 per cent of deaths and stressed that, “progress against NCDs and mental health conditions must be greatly accelerated if the 2030 Agenda is to succeed”.
It also noted that many countries faced challenges and needed more support to implement solutions only by engaging other stakeholders. WHO also encouraged the governments to increase engagement with businesses and provide technical support to member states, so they can mount effective national responses to NCDs and mental health conditions.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said recommendations could save millions of lives and promote mental health. “Countries need to include services to prevent and treat NCDs and mental health as essential components of universal health coverage by ensuring that no one falls into poverty because they have to pay for healthcare out of their own pockets through the provision of adequate social protection for everyone,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.
“Every year, 41 million people die from NCDs, 15 million of them between the ages of 30 and 69. Despite the many proven solutions, progress has been slow and uneven globally. WHO is committed to working with all partners to reduce premature deaths from NCDs.”
