Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths among people aged 30 to 70, with a significant number occurring in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular conditions, various cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes.
In light of the pressing challenge posed by NCDs, leaders from governments and various stakeholders convened on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Apia, Samoa. Their focus was to reaffirm their dedication to addressing these diseases while also promoting mental health.
The event, named “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was organized in partnership with Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
This gathering underscored the need for strong political commitment, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement in confronting the global health challenges associated with NCDs and mental health issues.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, WHO representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, emphasized that addressing NCDs and mental health concerns is not solely the responsibility of the health sector. She stated, “It necessitates the active participation of the entire government and society. By joining forces across different sectors and leveraging community assets, we can greatly alleviate the impact of NCDs and mental health conditions.”
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Director General of Health, highlighted Samoa’s distinctive approach in combating these health issues. He noted, “The Ministry of Health has effectively integrated the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ into our communities, reflecting our firm commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health challenges.”
Dr. Ekeroma added, “We are continuously exploring innovative methods to enhance our partnerships with other sectors, aiming to decrease the prevalence of NCDs and promote better mental health outcomes. The Samoan government is resolute in nurturing these collaborations to ensure sustainable and impactful health results for our citizens.”
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