Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths among individuals aged 30 to 70, predominantly in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular issues, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes.
In light of the pressing challenge presented by 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 combatting these diseases and enhancing mental health initiatives.
The gathering, 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 meeting underscored the significance of robust political commitment, cooperative partnerships, and community engagement in addressing the global health challenges associated with NCDs and mental health.
Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, the WHO representative for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, emphasized that addressing NCDs and mental health goes beyond the health sector. “It necessitates the active participation of the entire government and society. By working collaboratively across various sectors and leveraging community strengths, we can substantially alleviate the burden of NCDs and mental health issues,” she stated.
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Director General of Health, shed light on Samoa’s unique strategies in tackling these health challenges. “The Ministry of Health has effectively rolled out the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ within our communities, showcasing our commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health concerns,” Dr. Ekeroma remarked.
He added, “We are continuously exploring innovative methods to enhance our partnerships across different sectors to combat NCDs and enhance mental health. The Samoan government is committed to nurturing these collaborations to ensure sustainable and meaningful health outcomes for our citizens.”
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