Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths among people aged 30 to 70, with a significant impact seen in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular conditions, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
To address the pressing challenge of NCDs, government officials and various stakeholders convened on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, reaffirming their dedication to combat these diseases and promote mental health.
The event, aptly named “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was organized in collaboration with Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the WHO Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The discussions underscored the necessity of strong political will, partnerships, and active community participation in confronting the global health challenges presented by NCDs and mental health issues.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, the WHO representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, emphasized that addressing NCDs and mental health is a responsibility that goes beyond the health sector. She stated that it requires the collective efforts of all government and societal sectors. By collaborating across various fields and leveraging community resources, it is possible to significantly alleviate the burden posed by NCDs and mental health conditions.
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Director General of Health, highlighted Samoa’s innovative approach. He remarked, “The Ministry of Health has successfully introduced the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ into our communities, showcasing our commitment to tackling NCDs and mental health issues.”
He further added, “We are continually exploring creative ways to enhance our partnerships with other sectors to reduce NCDs and promote better mental health. The Samoan government is committed to nurturing these collaborations to ensure sustainable and effective health outcomes for our population.”
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