Commonwealth Leaders Unite Against NCDs: A Call for Change

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths in individuals aged 30 to 70, particularly in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular ailments, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes.

In light of the pressing issue of NCDs, government officials and various stakeholders convened on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, to reaffirm their dedication to addressing these health challenges and enhancing mental health initiatives.

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.

The gathering emphasized the necessity of robust political will, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement in confronting the global health threats associated with NCDs and mental health concerns.

Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, the WHO representative for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, stated, “Addressing NCDs and mental health is not solely a health sector responsibility. It calls for active participation from the entire government and society. By collaborating across various sectors and leveraging community resources, we can considerably alleviate the impact of NCDs and mental health issues.”

Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Director General of Health, underscored Samoa’s distinctive strategy. He noted, “The Ministry of Health has successfully implemented the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ in our communities, reflecting our strong commitment to combatting NCDs and mental health problems.”

He added, “We are continuously exploring innovative methods to enhance our partnerships with other sectors to diminish NCDs and promote mental health. The Samoan government is devoted to nurturing these collaborations to secure sustainable and effective health outcomes for our population.”