Commonwealth Leaders Unite to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) lead to 150 million premature deaths in individuals aged 30 to 70, especially in developing Commonwealth nations. These diseases encompass cardiovascular conditions, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes.

In light of the pressing threat posed by NCDs, government leaders and stakeholders convened on Friday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, to reaffirm their dedication to addressing these health issues and promoting mental well-being.

The event, entitled “Weaving a Healthy Commonwealth Aiga for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Mental Health,” was organized cooperatively by Samoa’s Ministry of Health, the WHO Representative Office in Samoa, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The gathering underscored the necessity of strong political resolve, partnerships, and community engagement in confronting the global health challenges presented by NCDs and mental health concerns.

Dr. Kim Eva Dickson, WHO representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, emphasized the comprehensive approach needed to combat these diseases. She stated that addressing NCDs and mental health requires the collective effort of all sectors of society. “By collaborating across various sectors and leveraging community resources, we can greatly alleviate the impact of NCDs and mental health conditions,” Dr. Dickson remarked.

Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Director General of Health, highlighted Samoa’s distinctive strategies. He noted, “The Ministry of Health has successfully launched the ‘Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN) Fa’a Samoa’ in our communities, reflecting our firm commitment to addressing NCDs and mental health challenges.”

Dr. Ekeroma further stated, “We are constantly exploring innovative ways to strengthen our partnerships with other sectors to combat NCDs and enhance mental health. The Samoan government is committed to fostering these collaborations to achieve sustainable and significant health outcomes for our people.”