In developing countries, the treatment for these diseases is costly. In simple terms the out-of-pocket expenditure is so huge in the prevention and control of NCDs and tobacco is a risk factor. Health experts believe that the impact related to tobacco use in the country is so huge and that contributes to all types of non-communicable diseases.
In our yesterday’s edition of The Point, the programme manager for Non-Communicable Disease unit at the Ministry of Health revealed that 34% of all deaths in the country are Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) related.
On the global stage, it accounts for 74% of all deaths, according to World Health Organisation.
This is indeed scary in view of the fact that there is no household in the country that is not affected directly or indirectly as non-communicable disease is concerned.
In The Gambia the growing number of youngsters involved in tobacco use is alarming.
It is no hidden secret that these diseases have become a great epidemic these-days largely due to changes in lifestyles and globalisation.
To overcome these epidemic situations of Non-Communicable Diseases, it requires a huge determination by adopting a continuously healthy lifestyle to prevent it. Also, there is need to adopt productive lives with healthy public guidelines and lifestyles.
In fact, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.4 target of reducing premature mortality from cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes by a third by 2030.
According to World Health Organisation, people of all age groups, regions and countries are affected by NCDs. These conditions are often associated with older age groups, but evidence shows that 17 million NCD deaths occur before the age of 70 years.
Of these premature deaths, 86% are estimated to occur in low- and middle-income countries. Children, adults and the elderly are all vulnerable to the risk factors contributing to NCDs, whether from unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke, or the harmful use of alcohol.
However, experts are of the view that people can control or prevent NCDs by focusing on reducing the risk factors associated with these diseases. To lessen the impact of NCDs on individuals and society, a comprehensive approach is needed requiring all sectors, including health, finance, transport, education, agriculture, planning and others, to collaborate to reduce the risks associated with NCDs, and to promote interventions to prevent and control them.
Also, there is need for more investment in better management of NCDs. Management of NCDs includes detecting, screening and treating these diseases, and providing access to palliative care for people in need. We all have a great role to play in the prevention and control of NCDs by adopting healthier lifestyle.