Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths among individuals aged 30 to 70, with a significant impact on developing Commonwealth countries. These diseases encompass cardiovascular ailments, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
To address the critical issue of NCDs, government leaders and various stakeholders convened on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Apia, Samoa. The meeting focused on reaffirming their commitment to combatting 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 in partnership with 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 efforts, and community participation in confronting the global health challenges associated with NCDs and mental health concerns.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, the WHO representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, stated, “Addressing NCDs and mental health is not solely a responsibility of the health sector. It necessitates the engagement of the entire government and society. By collaborating across various sectors and leveraging community resources, we can greatly alleviate the burden posed by NCDs and mental health disorders.”
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Director General of Health, underscored Samoa’s distinctive approach to these issues.
“The Ministry of Health has effectively implemented the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ in our communities, reaffirming our strong commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health challenges,” Dr. Ekeroma remarked.
“We are continually exploring innovative methods to enhance our partnerships with different sectors to mitigate NCDs and enhance mental health. The Samoan government is committed to nurturing these collaborations to ensure sustainable and meaningful health outcomes for our population.”
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