Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) lead to 150 million premature deaths among people aged 30 to 70 years, mainly affecting those in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular illnesses, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes.
To address 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 combating these health challenges and promoting mental well-being.
The event, titled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was collaboratively organized by Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the WHO Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Discussions emphasized the critical need for robust political will, partnerships, and community engagement to address the global health hurdles posed by NCDs and mental health issues.
During the meeting, WHO representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, remarked that addressing NCDs and mental health is not solely the responsibility of the health sector. She stressed the importance of collective efforts across various governmental and societal sectors, emphasizing that leveraging community strengths can notably mitigate the impact of these health challenges.
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Director General of Health, underscored Samoa’s distinctive approach to the situation. He detailed the introduction of the “Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa” within communities, affirming their commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health issues.
Dr. Ekeroma added, “We are continuously exploring innovative methods to enhance collaborations with other sectors aimed at minimizing NCDs and promoting better mental health. The Samoan government remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing these partnerships to ensure sustainable and significant health outcomes for our population.”
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