Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths among individuals aged 30 to 70, with a significant impact in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases include cardiovascular conditions, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes.
In a bid to address the pressing issue of NCDs, government officials and various stakeholders gathered on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa. The meeting focused on reaffirming their dedication to combating these diseases and fostering mental health.
The event, titled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was a collaborative effort involving Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The gathering underscored the critical role of strong political commitment, partnerships, and community participation in overcoming the global health challenges posed by NCDs and mental health issues.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, the WHO representative for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, emphasized that addressing NCDs and mental health requires the active involvement of the entire government and society. “By collaborating across various sectors and leveraging community strengths, we can significantly alleviate the burden of NCDs and mental health conditions,” she stated.
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Director General of Health, highlighted Samoa’s distinctive approach. He noted, “The Ministry of Health has successfully implemented the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ within our communities, showcasing our strong commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health concerns.”
Dr. Ekeroma added, “We are continually exploring innovative ways to enhance our collaborations with other sectors to combat NCDs and improve mental health. The Samoan government is dedicated to nurturing these partnerships to ensure sustainable and effective health outcomes for our people.”
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