New Delhi: The Global Status Report on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) had reclaimed about 52 million lives globally by 2030.
In 2012, nearly 8.5 million people died of Non Communicable Diseases in the World Health Organization (WHO’s) South-East Asia Region.
It said, “This number is expected to grow larger if we do not act now to arrest this epidemic.”
In India, NCDs are estimated to have accounted for 60 percent of all deaths in 2014, while 26 percent between the ages of 30-70 years had a probability of succumbing to the four diseases. The report highlights the need to act immediately.
It said that all governments must commit and set national NCD targets this year and implement policy and cost-effective interventions for prevention and control of major non-communicable diseases. High rates of death and disease, particularly in low and middle income countries, is a reflection of inadequate investment in cost-effective NCD interventions.
It said that while non-communicable diseases are a global public health challenge, nearly three quarters of the deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
It said that problem is growing, particularly in the South-East Asia Region, where two out of three deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases.
Regional Director for South-East Asia Region of WHO Poonam Khetrapal Singh said that about half of the deaths due to non-communicable diseases occur in the 30 to 70 years age group.
She said most of the premature NCD deaths are preventable. Promoting simple lifestyle changes and diet modifications can prevent non-communicable diseases, she added.
Bureau Report
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