WHO reports many premature deaths stem from NCDs

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 74 per cent of deaths worldwide, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Every two seconds, a person aged less than 70 dies of such a disease, the global health Agency asserted.

The WHO reported on Wednesday said that Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes contribute to 80 per cent of all premature deaths by NCDs.

It is clear what must be done, said the WHO director of non-communicable diseases, 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.

Eight-five per cent of ill people live in low- and middle-income countries, the WHO said, 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, pushes 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.

Comprehensive data is not yet available in all countries, it however said.

NAN