Deaths from non-communicable diseases on the rise, WHO

Moscow, 27 Apr – (ANA) – Non-communicable diseases are the leading killer today and are on the increase, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

In its Global Status Report on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) launched who said in 2008, a total of  36.1 million people died  from heart disease, strokes, chronic lung diseases, cancers and diabetes. Nearly 80% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, the report said.

 "The rise of chronic non-communicable diseases presents an enormous challenge," says WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan.

"For some countries, it is no exaggeration to describe the situation as an impending disaster; a disaster for health, for society, and most of all for national economies."  

 Dr Chan adds: "Chronic non-communicable diseases deliver a two-punch blow to development. They cause billions of dollars in losses of national income, and they push millions of people below the poverty line, each and every year."

 But millions of deaths can be prevented by stronger implementation of measures that exist today. These include policies that promote government-wide action against NCDs: stronger anti-tobacco controls and promoting healthier diets, physical activity, and reducing harmful use of alcohol; along with improving people's access to essential healthcare. (ANA)

FA/ANA/27 April 2011--------