Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 150 million premature deaths worldwide among people aged 30 to 70, with a significant impact in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular conditions, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
To address this pressing health crisis, government leaders and various stakeholders convened on Friday during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, to renew their commitment to combating NCDs and enhancing mental health support.
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 WHO Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The discussions underscored the necessity of strong political will, collaboration, and community engagement to address the global 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 is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the health sector. She stated that coordinated efforts across various government sectors and community resources can significantly alleviate the burden of these health issues.
Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Director General of Health, outlined Samoa’s distinctive strategies in this battle. He mentioned the successful implementation of the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ initiative, which reflects the nation’s strong commitment to addressing both NCDs and mental health concerns.
Dr. Ekeroma also expressed the government’s continuous pursuit of innovative partnerships across different sectors aimed at decreasing the prevalence of NCDs and enhancing mental health, reaffirming Samoa’s dedication to fostering such collaborations for sustainable and meaningful health outcomes for its citizens.
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