Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths globally among individuals aged 30 to 70, particularly in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular illnesses, various cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes.
To address the pressing challenge posed by NCDs, government leaders and various stakeholders convened on Friday during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa. Their focus was to reinforce their commitment to combating these diseases while also promoting mental health.
The event, titled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was organized through a partnership between Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
During the event, the significance of robust political commitment, cooperative partnerships, and community engagement in addressing the global health challenges tied to NCDs and mental health was emphasized.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, the WHO representative for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, noted, “Addressing NCDs and mental health requires involvement beyond the health sector. It necessitates cooperation across government and society. By uniting various sectors and leveraging community strengths, we can greatly alleviate the impact of NCDs and mental health conditions.”
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Samoa’s Director General of Health, underscored the country’s distinctive approach. “The Ministry of Health has effectively implemented the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ in our communities, highlighting our commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health concerns,” Dr. Ekeroma stated. “We are continually exploring innovative ways to enhance our partnerships across sectors to tackle NCDs and promote better mental health. The Samoan government is focused on nurturing these collaborations to ensure impactful and sustainable health outcomes for our population.”
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