WHO: Chronic Diseases Can Be Reduced

The World Health Organization has launched today in Moscow its first Global Status Report on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

In 2008, 63 percent of deaths were due to NCDs, says the report. Some 80 percent of NCD-related deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries.

NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. The report points out in particular the use of tobacco, insufficient physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diet as risk factors for NCDs.

The organisation calls on countries to take actions, among which is to protect people from tobacco smoke, ban smoking in public places, enforce bans on tobacco and alcohol advertising, raise taxes on tobacco, restrict access to retailed alcohol, reduce salt intake and salt content of food, replace trans-fat in food with polyunsaturated fat, and promote public awareness about diet and physical activity. The report also emphasises the importance of vaccination.

The report was launched during the WHO Global Forum: Addressing the Challenge of Noncommunicable Diseases, taking place today in Moscow.

In her opening statement, WHO Director General Margaret Chan targeted the tobacco industry. “Forget collaboration with the tobacco industry. Never trust this industry on any count, in any deal,” she said, adding that implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control could avert about 5.5 million deaths each year at minimal cost.

Chan also pinned down “junk food” and the food and beverage industries suspected of producing “products that damage the health” of their customers, although she said some were taking measures to reformulate their products to reduce fat, sugar and salt content.