Commonwealth Leaders Unite Against Deadly NCDs

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for approximately 150 million premature deaths among individuals aged 30 to 70, with a significant impact observed in developing Commonwealth nations. NCDs encompass conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

In response to the pressing challenge posed by NCDs, government leaders and various stakeholders convened on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa. Their aim was to reaffirm their dedication to addressing these diseases and promoting mental health.

The event, titled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was co-organized by Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the WHO Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. It underscored the necessity of strong political will, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement to confront the global health issues associated with NCDs and mental health.

Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, the WHO representative for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, remarked, “Addressing NCDs and mental health is not solely the responsibility of the health sector. It requires the committed involvement of the whole government and society. By uniting across various sectors and harnessing community resources, we can significantly alleviate the impact of NCDs and mental health challenges.”

Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Director General of Health, emphasized Samoa’s unique strategy in this initiative. “The Ministry of Health has effectively rolled out the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ in our communities, illustrating our strong commitment to combating NCDs and mental health issues,” he stated. “We continue to seek innovative ways to enhance our collaborations with other sectors to reduce NCDs and advance mental health. The Samoan government is committed to nurturing these partnerships to ensure sustainable and effective health outcomes for our citizens.”